Identity Cards Bill passes its third reading.
Last night, the British government’s identity cards bill passed its third reading:
Labour rebels last night slashed the government’s majority to 25 on the identity cards bill’s last reading in the Commons, despite a series of last-minute concessions. Twenty-five backbenchers lined up with the Tories and Liberal Democrats to vote against the plan, passed by 309 votes to 284. The unexpectedly slim margin will embolden critics when the legislation reaches the House of Lords.Opponents complained that the government had timetabled the third reading to coincide with the results of the first ballot in the Conservative leadership election. But while the result was conveniently overshadowed by Kenneth Clarke’s defeat, it was still a surprise and an embarrassment for ministers. So was the opposition of three senior Labour figures: Gwyneth Dunwoody, Ian Gibson and David Winnick - none is a serial rebel.
The bill will now go up to the House of Lords.