Say what you like about the recent shenanigans in politics, but if one good thing comes of it then they’ll be doing quite well.

And what is this? They’re talking the talk already?

Identity cards will be scrapped under plans announced by the new Conservative and Lib Dem coalition government.

Their abolition is among measures the parties have agreed to reverse what they say was “the substantial erosion” of civil liberties in recent years.

Other proposals include reforms to the DNA database, tighter regulation of CCTV and a review of libel laws.

Huzzah. Kill the ID card, kill the database behind it, and then make a start on all the other ‘death by a thousand cuts’ measures that Labour have put in place over the last thirteen years. Who knows, maybe we’ll end up with a government that leaves us freer at the end of their term than we were at the start of it. Not that I’m holding my breath, these are politicians we’re talking about…

I like the speed that the IPS is moving at, by the way. Their site now contains the following announcement:

Both Parties that now form the new Government stated in their manifestos that they will cancel Identity Cards and the National Identity Register. We will announce in due course how this will be achieved. Applications can continue to be made for ID cards but we would advise anyone thinking of applying to wait for further announcements.

Until Parliament agrees otherwise, identity cards remain valid and as such can still be used as an identity document and for travel within Europe. We will update you with further information as soon as we have it.

Most excellent, sez I. Is it too early for a celebratory drink, d’ya think?