Identity cards will be scrapped under plans announced by the new Conservative and Lib Dem coalition government.

Their abolition is among measures the parties have agreed to reverse what they say was "the substantial erosion" of civil liberties in recent years.

Other proposals include reforms to the DNA database, tighter regulation of CCTV and a review of libel laws.

Since their 2008 introduction, Labour argued ID cards helped tackle benefit fraud, identity theft and other crimes.

The Tories and Lib Dems have both opposed ID cards from the outset, arguing they are expensive, intrusive and have done little to tackle the most serious threats to society such as terrorism and organised crime.

In a statement, the Home Office said it would announce "in due course" how the process of rescinding ID cards and the accompanying National Identity Register would move forward.

Read more @ BBC News

@NewGov - good move!