Manchester public will get first UK ID cards

Manchester will be the first place in the UK where the public can apply for an ID card.

From autumn, Mancunians will be able to volunteer for a card in a strategy to stagger the roll-out of the cards and readers across the UK.

Home Secretary Jacqui Smith said in a statement: "Manchester is leading the way with the delivery of the National Identity Service.

"Our next steps will be for other cities to follow Manchester's lead before full national coverage from 2012.

"This phased approach will ensure that card coverage occurs hand-in-hand with development of supporting technology such as chip and PIN readers."

The news received a mixed reception in Manchester, with Liberal Democrat John Leech, MP for Manchester, Withington, warning the government the pilot would be hamstrung by a lack of volunteers willing to pay £30 for a card.

"I have come across very few people who see the benefits of [ID cards] and even fewer people who will choose to spend money on ID cards at a time when the country is strapped for cash," he told silicon.com.

"There are other priorities that should be on the agenda other than ID cards at this time."

But Lord Peter Smith, chairman of the Association of Greater Manchester Authorities, said he believes the city's residents would welcome a chance to get an ID card.

Across the UK people who are interested in applying for a card will be able to sign up via the Directgov website and receive information on when the cards are available in the area.

New airside workers and pilots at Manchester airport will also be required to get an ID card before starting their job from autumn.