Deborah Summers
Wednesday January 9, 2008

http://politics.guardian.co.uk/homeaffairs/story/0,,2237858,00.html


Gordon Brown today appeared to contradict himself over whether identity cards will be compulsory as he came under fresh fire in the Commons.
Quizzed over the government's ID card policy during prime minister's question time, Brown insisted ministers would "move ahead" with ID cards, but subject to a vote in parliament.

But pressed by Conservative leader David Cameron on whether it was government policy that "ID cards should eventually become compulsory", Brown replied: "That is the policy but it is for parliament to decide."

Asked why then he told the Observer that under the policy there would be "no compulsion", Brown said: "It has to be voted on by parliament."

Cameron also stepped up pressure on Brown over capital gains tax and accused the prime minister of failing to give straight answers to straight questions.

cartoon: Steve Bell