Bring back New Labour’s national identity card scheme

‘Nick Clegg, as a key figure in the coalition government, was adamant about “killing” ID cards on the “big brother is watching you” ticket.’ Photograph: David Jones/PA

The loss of the 2010 general election by the Labour party was tragic for our country in many ways, but one particularly unfortunate by-product was the cancellation of the national identity card scheme (Tony Blair urges Starmer to keep grip on immigration to tackle rise of far right, 9 July).

The issuing of identity cards would enhance national security in the areas of terrorism, immigration and policing; facilitate access to online government services for the less well-off; help to stop identity theft; and facilitate international travel.