The ID Cards Bill returns to the commons next week following its mauling by the Lords. I wrote to my MP in a vain attempt to persuade him to vote in favour of the Lords’ amendments, which if the vote is successful, will effectively neuter the bill. As he has supported the bill so far, I fully expected another justification of why we need this insidious Stasi database and more plastic in our wallets. Previously, responses have used the excuse that this would have helped constituents who have been the victims of identity fraud (whether actual identity theft, or the Andy Burnham version is not clear) and that the police want them. Anyway, this morning I received a reply and it is, to say the least, interesting…
“I will certainly consider very carefully the amendments to the Bill made in the Lords. I have not had time to study them yet nor to consider any amendments that the Government might table. However, I do assure you that I will give this matter very serious attention. I do appreciate your point of view.”
Do I detect a hint of a waver? Just a teeny wobble? My letter rebutted – almost point by point – the nonsensical briefing letter he will have received from Andy Burnham. A contrary view in the same mail bundle may have helped him to think again. Maybe the predictable letter from me at each cruical point in the bill’s passage is having an erosive effect. Certainly this is a far less positive reply than the ones he has sent previously during our exchanges.
In the past, he has rebelled against the government, so he has no qualms about conscience voting if he feels the need arises. Maybe there is hope yet. I shall be interested to see how he votes next week.
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