"Voluntary" ID cards

From the Metro (dead-tree version):

Town halls could be given the power to fine households that have not applied for proposed ID cards.

The recommendation comes despite ministerial promises that the ID card will be voluntary.

Unless Labour have come with an entirely new definition of the word “voluntary, ”that is…

The proposal, which says councils can check electoral registers to see who has not applied for a card and fine them up to £2500.00, was contained in the small print of a Department of Constitutional Affairs [who have the ironic motto: Justice, Rights & Democracy] document released during the Christmas holidays [see p. 49], it was reported yesterday.

Nothing like being open and honest…

The Telegraph also has it, as well as a Leader article about the whole thing.