Having to carry “our papers” everywhere we go would be irritating and a retrograde step; but the “identity database” is the real threat to our liberty and is a hostage to future repression etc.

Until fairly recently, the public had been taught to fear large “data-banks.” These days, politicians, the media and the public often seem to welcome each announcement of yet another intrusive “database”; with yet more fees and “administrative penalties” which trigger automatic fines.

As in the 1930s, most people seem to assume that these measures will affect only “other people”… until it’s too late!

Wibbi: The government – and its advisers – realised that knowing someone’s name (and their past) says very little about their future actions!

Wibbi: The media were not so gullible about this slight change in policy and explained the implications more clearly.

Wibbi: Politicians – any politicians – offered a different view of UK society and life in the 21st century.