Yes, yes, I know they're not microchipping the *people*, (yet) Royston...LOL...and I know the video was a year old...but...they're already making (as in 'compulsory') some people apply for this card..


"Who receives the card and when?

On 25 November 2008, we started issuing identity cards to foreign nationals from outside the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland who are given permission to extend their stay in the United Kingdom in certain categories. Since 31 March 2009, identity cards have also been issued to applicants in some other categories.

Our applicant category table, which can be downloaded from the right side of this page, contains a full list of the categories of applicant who must now apply for an identity card when they apply to extend their stay in the United Kingdom.

We will continue to put a sticker (vignette) in the passports of other applicants, and the two systems will run alongside each other as we introduce identity cards for other foreign nationals over the next few years.

Within three years, everyone who successfully applies to extend their stay in the United Kingdom, or who comes to the United Kingdom for more than six months, will have an identity card for foreign nationals. By 2015, we expect 90 per cent of nationals from outside the EEA or Switzerland to have a card."

Taken from here..

The Home Office site


It was interesting listening to Jeremy Clarkson earlier this evening, on his driving programme...he was talking to Jay Leno, saying that once upon a time he used to feel that a trip to the States was like being in a big prison, but with loads of food. Now, he feels it's the other way round, the way we're monitored, speed cameras everywhere (have you driven back from Stonehenge to Exeter, cameras EVERYWHERE!)..cameras on our streets, city centres, buses, trains...

Jay Leno laughed and said that in his part of America they shot the cameras out so often with their guns that they don't bother with them too much anymore.. :0)