Government plans for national
identity cards were approved by the Commons last night despite
more than a quarter of MPs not voting.
Although Conservative and Labour
rebels failed to derail the Identity Cards Bill, they provoked
a highly embarrassing mass abstention.
The Bill was given a second reading
by 385 votes to 93, a Government majority of 292, indicating
that dozens of Labour and Tory backbenchers abstained.
Of a total voting strength of 651, 173 MPs
were absent or decided not to vote on one of the Government's
flagship measures proposing the biggest changes to individual
liberties for 50 years.
A wrecking amendment proposed by Tory and
Labour rebels seeking to deny the Bill a second reading was rejected
by 306 to 93, a Government majority of 213.
The revolt was a blow both for Tony Blair
and Michael Howard, the Conservative leader, who backed the
legislation despite the misgivings of many of his MPs.
Charles Clarke, the new Home Secretary,
who inherited the plans from David Blunkett, said they would help
tackle terrorism, fraud and trafficking in people, as well as making
life easier for millions of people.
At one stage Bill Cash (C, Stone)
brandished a copy of George Orwell's novel 1984 at the Home
Secretary, challenging him to repudiate claims that the measure
would effect a "sea change" in the relationship between state
and individual.
