To this end (and to challenge the Compulsory registration on passport renewal is the same as Voluntary notion), I've written again to my MP. Last time, she did actually respond, but with a boilerplate I considered all the facts before casting my vote brushoff. Let's see if she does better this time.

Wednesday 8 March 2006

Dear Anne Moffat,

Many thanks for your reply to my fax of 10th February regarding Identity Cards, although I would have been more grateful if you had engaged with, considered and answered my concerns, rather than merely responding with boilerplate.

Perhaps you would be so kind as to take the time out of your busy schedule to seek answers on the following:

1. My employment regularly requires me to travel abroad in Europe and beyond, therefore I am required to keep a passport. As entry onto the National Identity Register & issue with an Identity Card is to be Voluntary when I renew my passport (per your manifesto commitment), could you please point out to me where I will be able to register my choice to be included or not?

2. I understand from the Home Office's consistent argument that the introduction of Identity Cards and the NIR is necessary to comply with International Civil Aviation Organisation passport standards, and without them the UK will no longer be able to be part of the US visa waiver scheme, and that the increase in cost of a passport to £93 would be required to pay for ICAO compliance.

   Naturally, as a relatively frequent traveller to the US, this is important to me. The Home Office's announcement this week of the launch of ICAO-compliant Biometric Passports at a cost of £51 is therefore to be congratulated - particularly as your honourable friend Andy Burnham is confident that this alone will confirm the identity of the individual (as reported by the BBC).

   Could you please seek updated guidance from the Home Office to the effect that the NIR and ID Cards are now not required to meet ICAO standards and remain in the US visa waiver scheme?

Yours sincerely,
Martin Burns