Set The People Free

A radical history pamphlet.

The Opposition to ID Cards in North London, 1950 (and 2006)

During the Second World War the government introduced compulsory ID cards as part of their emergency measures. It was not until seven years after the War that ID cards were finally withdrawn. Clarence Willcock was instrumental in this process; his refusal to show his ID card when stopped by the police in North London raised questions about their use in peacetime Britain and contributed to the withdrawal of the cards in 1952.

‘Set the People Free’ looks at the use and abuse of ID Cards during the first and second world wars and the factors that led to their withdrawal. It also discusses the campaign against ID cards in the early 21st century...
as UK governments again considered introducing ID cards, touted as the solution to a range of issues including terrorism, fraud, and ‘illegal’ immigration.

A5, 20 pages.
printed by risograph.

Author: David King