Once we have started down this route, where does it ultimately lead us? After they have my fingerprints and photograph in their system, the obvious next step is to take my DNA. All for my safety and security, of course. And then perhaps they should put a transmitter in my car to let them know if I happen to drive too fast. All for my own protection. Monitoring everyone's telephone and internet use would be a good idea too. Just think of how much safer and more secure life would be if nobody could talk about naughty things without being overheard. Eventually the technology will exist to implant us all with electronic chips at birth. The state will know where all its subjects are at all times, what they are doing and even thinking, and what a blissfully safe and crime-free world I'm sure that will be. Except that I think I would rather die fighting before I had to live in it.

We have to draw the line somewhere, and I draw it here. I will go to jail before I submit to an identitiy card.

David Holland, Launceston, Cornwall

Even before this fiasco I was somewhat against ID cards as it seemed like a huge amount of money for no real benefit and with MANY downsides.

But maybe now just ignore the whole thing as NO WAY are they going to get my data onto their dodgy database in any more detail than they have it now. Fingerprints? NO WAY! Retina/iris scan? NO WAY!

It isn't time for a rethink on ID. It's time for a full reversal and assurances that no UK government will even threaten to get us onto this slippery slope in the future.

But HMG seem hell bent on this scary plan, so we really do need to start fighting back.

These guys - http://www.no2id.net/ - seem to have the right idea.

Ian

Ian Oliver, Leeds, UK