To quote an earlier post on this issue:
Labour -> socialist -> communist -> Russian -> eastern (bloc) -> East Germany -> Stasi -> UK
labour gave up on socialism a long time ago. But that doesnt stop them moving towards an authoritarian state that even the Tories at their power wouldnt have dared consider out loud.
In theory I like the idea of ID cards. If it makes society a better place by eveyone carrying a small card it's surely not too much to ask.
If the individual wants to benefit from participating in society then surely the state (as the formal mechanism of society) has the right to ensure that those benefits are given fairly and appropriately.
If the individual has to carry a card to show that they have the right to the benefits of society that hadly seems a major inconvenience, and has possible benefits in that it would eliminate the need to carry work ID, cheque guarantee card, passport etc.
Right now I have a press card, gym membership, cheque card, drivers license, union membership, work pass and AA card in my wallet. 7 pieces of ID.
Obviously there's a question on whether you actually want this information centralised, because you can bet that is where it is going.
But the principle reason the argument falls down on is whether or not you trust the state. Are they really looking out for the best interests of the individual and will they apply any legislation equally and without prejudice?
At least under socialism the theory was that all people were equal, and the state represented the people and the people had obligations to the state to ensure that it was a representation of the will of the people. There's not even that fig leaf of ideaology left in Labour's plans.
*value of posts can go down as well as up.