Simon Hughes prepared to go to jail

1.40.46pm UTC (GMT +0000) Wed 30th Nov 2005

Simon Hughes MP and President of the Liberal Democrats has pledged to go to jail rather than carry the proposed new national ID card. Simon Hughes became the first senior politician to sign up to a civil disobedience campaign being mounted by opponents of the government scheme, which is facing strong opposition in the House of Lords. He told Sunday's Observer newspaper that he still hoped the bill would be defeated. But if not, he was 'absolutely' ready to go behind bars if necessary.

Mr. Hughes said "For me, it is a matter of fundamental principle, I was born in this country and regard myself as a free man. I do not believe that I should have to identify myself as a matter of course.' He also promised to challenge the linking of ID Cards to people's right to hold a passport in court.

The pressure group No2ID welcomed his stand, they already have more than 11,000 people signed up to the pledge to refuse an ID Card and more who will support the legal fund. Having passed its first Commons hurdle, the bill is currently facing criticism in the Lords over issues of cost and civil liberties - the twin arguments No2ID has been pressing in its effort to derail the plan. With government ministers retreating from claims that the ID law would help in the fight against terror - and former MI5 chief Stella Rimington saying that the intelligence services were not pressing for ID cards.

Northgate Councillor Gordon Seekings has already pledged to refuse the card said "I am glad that Simon Hughes is also supporting the No2ID campaign. ID Cards are illiberal and ineffective, they will do nothing to stop terrorism, or combat benefit (or any other) fraud."