UK MPs pass ID plan again

14 March 2006

But until peers agree the bill will continue to 'ping pong' between the Commons and the Lords

UK MPs have re-stated their support for the government's national biometric identity card plan and overturned last week's House of Lords defeat of the bill.

The proposed legislation has been held up twice by peers, most recently over the automatic registration of people renewing their passports onto the planned National Identity Register from the start of the ID scheme in 2008.

According to the Lords, automatic registration contravenes the government's manifesto pledge for a voluntary ID scheme.

But in an earlier Commons vote on the bill, MPs approved the measure on automatic registration. And the government won yesterday's vote by 310 votes to 277.

The bill will return to the House of Lords tomorrow and until both Houses accept the legislation it cannot become law.

Ultimately MPs could use the Parliament Act to force it through regardless of peers' opposition.

The procurement for the system will start as soon as the bill receives Royal Assent.