Society: Strong backing for ID cards

Four out of five young people support the introduction of compulsory identity cards for teenagers, according to a new survey. And researchers found that some three-quarters of all adults believe ID cards should be issued to everyone living in Britain.

The findings of the NOP poll follow recent concerns about under-age drinking and the growing debate about ID cards for young people..

And support for the introduction of compulsory ID cards was highest among the over-55s, with 83 per cent approval.

Overall, four out of five said ID cards would help prevent under-age drinking and smoking. Reservations centred on fears of a loss of freedom or privacy, which were highest among under-35s.