Firstly, let’s comprehend the state of crime in the U.K. The name a few types of crime which are encountered by the Home Office, the Security Service (MI5), the Police and other agencies are robbery, Alcohol related crime, Burglary, Business related crime, Fraud, Gun crime, Hate crime, Internet Crime Sexual Offences, Vehicle offences, Drug related crime, Youth crime, Violent crime and also Terrorism. This shows that crime is and has been one of the primary issues to be solved by the British Government.
As stated by the figures of Home Office, the risk of becoming a victim of crime is falling. In 1995 the risk was 40% but by 2005 it had fallen to 24% the lowest since the British Crime Survey began in 1981. The figures in the recent times show that the government has made a huge progress in comparison to the previous surveys.
Since the transition from due process to crime control model the government had made many changes in the laws and several bills have been passed or have been debated upon.
One such example is the recent passing of the bill related with Alcohol which allows the bars to be open the entire night. This would be particularly helpful in reducing the drinking binge and also drunken disorder and would encourage sensible drinking. This bill was passed keeping in view the Home Office figures which stated that in 50% of the violent crimes, victims believe the offenders to be under the influence of alcohol.
Another proof of the commitment of the British government comes from the steps taken to deal with one of the most major threats to U.K. national security, which is from terrorism. The most noticeable recent measure has been seen by announcement of the future counter – terrorism legislation. During the passage of the Prevention of Terrorism Act 2005, the government announced plans to bring forward further counter terrorism legislation.
The main issues dealt by this have been by making the terrorist groups illegal which in many countries are authorized. Also there have been announced new criminal offences and police has been given the power to arrest individuals suspected of inciting acts or seeking terrorist training.
In continuation of these past efforts towards finding various measures to curb crime and strengthen National security the British Government brought along the introduction of a new debate on the I.D. cards. This has been one of the most talked about debates in the recent times as its effect is on each single individual. The implementation and issuance of this bill takes place in 2008.
Weighing up the risks and benefits of identity cards is hard as it’s a very complicated issue. You don’t have to be absolutely for or against the plans in order to take action. Many groups don’t object to identity cards in principle but have serious reservations about how they are implemented, for example, you may want to make sure that while it should be compulsory to have identity cards, it shouldn’t be compulsory to carry them.
As the debate about the significance and need of the identity cards grew deeper it was clearly seen that the supporters won. The government and the supporters of the scheme argue that identity cards are necessary to prevent theft and reduce benefit fraud. The benefits of the these cards far outweigh the drawbacks seen on its introduction. We would understand this by taking a deeper look at the benefits arising out of the issuance of these identity cards more closely.
The lack of a card prevents illegal immigrants to arrive and disappear. Its extremely important to deal with this issue in any country as it could be one of the main hindrances to economic growth and progress. Also, This would prevent illegal working in the U.K. it would exactly tell them if that employee is eligible to work and this would make it difficult for the illegal immigrants to find work and thus discourage illegal immigration.
The threat to the UK from international terrorism remains real and serious and an attack or multiple attacks may be mounted without warning, as was demonstrated in central London on 7 July 2005. As the metropolitan commissioner argues " identity cards would make it harder for terrorists and organised crime rings to use false and multiple identities".
One of the most vital uses of this identity cards system would be to help the people prove their identity if need be. There will be an introduction of a national register which would hold biometric information of each individual who holds the card. Biometric information would be something like fingerprints etc. The other benefits of this id cards scheme would be that as this is issued to people who have resided in the U.K. for more than three months, thus, it would help travellers when they are travelling abroad in case of any mishappenning to prove their identity as this would give the card holders international authenticity. The government feels that the identity cards might also brong a community feel to the people as it would give them a secure feeling and a sense of security as well as belongingness, which is extremely necessary for every country to provide to its citizens.
Identity cards bill is criticised mainly on the grounds of cost and complexity, date protection and privacy implications. Also there is an opposition on the bill from the civil rights group as well as the parliamentarians who contend that, in addition to this being unnecessary and costly, it might also be unlawful, as it explores the possible violation of the European Convention of Human Rights.
We can contemplate on the basis of the above that the government is working very hard against fighting crime and has no longer followed the principle of ‘innocent until proven guilty’. It has become more harsh and in other words shades of dictatorial decisions and laws being introduced can be seen, which just show the consistency and devotion of the government in adhering to the crime control model of justice.