I’ve always enjoyed Simon Jenkins’s column and will miss his sometimes acerbic but often thought-provoking observations. However, the idea that we should conduct a debate in relation to the importance of a clean identity database and some form of verification of our identity (through an ID card) on the basis of the notion that such cards will be produced in “a Bombay backstreet” does him no credit at all (My farewell plea to MPs: defend liberty, Comment, last week).

There is a very substantial debate to be had about our freedoms. I, for instance, have considerable reservations about the idea of the electronic storage of all forms of communication, with data retention by the government.

However, to conduct a debate on the presumption that those who disagree with you are either weak or spineless, or don’t give a damn about personal privacy or freedoms, is risible. As someone who has had their personal freedom interfered with grossly, I take as seriously as Jenkins the issue of how we protect ourselves. We do not do so by suggesting that biometric identifiers will somehow be accessible by those working in the backstreets of Bombay or any other city.

David Blunkett MP
House of Commons

Going cheap
While I totally agreed with Jenkins, I take issue that ID cards will be churned out for £5 in Bombay. You can buy them for £1.99 in Liverpool.

Bill Luke
St Helens, Merseyside

Thank the Lords
Is it not ironic that only the unelected House of Lords still protects us from all this?

David Ireland
Singapore

Explore Letters

• Feedback