The government’s controversial national ID card scheme could be extended to children as young as 14, according to Home Office minister Meg Hillier.
At a ‘No ID, No Sale’ Labour conference fringe event, Hillier said a lower-age limit for the scheme was still up for grabs.
The first cards, which identify UK residents through biometric technology, become available in November to foreign nationals. At the end of next year British citizens will begin to receive cards and from 2010 they become available to 16 and 17-year-olds on a voluntary basis.
Hillier said ministerial working groups are consulting with young people and youth groups about extending the scheme to under-16s. She cited Hungary as an example where it is normal for 14 year-olds to carry ID cards.
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