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Residents ordered to carry ID to get past roadblocks
Aline Nassif and Danny Brierley30.03.09
HUNDREDS of people living near the Excel centre have been told to carry photo identification as the Met steps up security ahead of the G20 summit.
People who live close to the exhibition centre where Gordon Brown, President Barack Obama and other leaders meet this week have been told they must carry two forms of ID, including one with a photo, to ensure only those who need to can get through roadblocks.
Scotland Yard said it regretted having to introduce the measure but it was needed to ensure public safety at the east London site.
The move has angered campaigners, who questioned the Met's legal authority to enforce the measure. Some residents said the move was a step too far, having already had three DLR train stations closed during the summit.
Shami Chakrabarti, director of human rights group Liberty, said: "Despite the Government's best efforts we don't yet have compulsory ID cards in this country. And even the Government promised that people would not be required to carry papers on the street.
"The police don't have the legal authority to require people to carry ID papers. If they are asking them to, they had better be asking them nicely and come up with some proper reasons. I don't blame residents for being upset."
Instructions to those living at the western end of the Excel estate have been posted on Newham council's website and flyers explaining the guidance have been sent in the post. The instructions say residents should carry "two forms of identification/proof of address (one of which must be photographic) to gain entry through security cordons".
Residents of private flats in Western Gateway, part of the Excel estate, say it is the latest in a long line of unnecessarily stringent demands.
Insurance executive Sarah Roberts, 35, said: "I can understand extra measures being put in place but this is completely over the top. Surely police can verify someone without having to resort to imposing something so draconian? We are British and we do not have to carry ID, that is one of the best things about this country."
Natasha Fernz, 32, an IT consultant with dual Malaysian and British nationality, said: "It is like being in another country where you are forced to carry your passport."
Scotland Yard defended the decision. A spokesman said: "Naturally we regret any inconvenience caused and we will try to minimise the disruption to residents. This is not any ordinary conference - half of the world's leaders are coming to London so we have to take precautions."
A Newham council spokeswoman said: "We are working closely with the police to ensure residents and businesses do not suffer."
Reader views (23)
What do the authorities expect...it's Custom House.
It's an outrage!!!
- Jason, London, London, 31/03/2009 14:04
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The police have no right to 'demand' that identification be carried. Ordinary people going about their lawful business should not be inconvenienced in this way. It simply drives a wedge between the police and public. And that's a big problem for the police and the state. It also proves that government assurances that people would not be forced to carry ID Cards are worthless.
- Stephen, Kent, 31/03/2009 10:46
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Dosn't this remind you of those old World War 2 movies where the Gestapo in occupied Europe demand to see someones papers.
I thought that one of the things this country fought against in WW2 was that kind of Fascism.
- Mark H, London England, 31/03/2009 00:13
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In Italy it is compulsory to carry ID, but I have never been asked to produce it when returning home from work.
- Mark, Milan, Italy, 30/03/2009 22:48
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These are the same people who would have been complaining if the Police hadn't provided any security cordons to protect them.
They should get real and undertand what could happen if the G20 protests turn nasty. As the G20 protestors will not be able to get anywhere neas Excel, they will turn their attention to anything nearby, including Western Gateway. They will see a nice flat, decide it belongs to a "Capitalist" and try to destroy it. The name Western Gateway will have symbolism to some of these lunatics.
So which civil liberty would they prefer to lose? Having to carry ID for one day or having their property damaged?
- Andrew, London W1, 30/03/2009 22:46
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The met are out of order and out of control. refuse to show them ID and then sue them for wrongful detention.
- Kerry Trubee, Purley, 30/03/2009 21:24
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If the Police have no legal right to demand ID, should not our Home Secretary drag herself away from her taxpayer provided TV and get the Met's house in order. No doubt the G20 requires security measures, but I cannot see why we should tolerate the Met. behaving outside the law.
- James Elliott, Eastbourne UK, 30/03/2009 16:43
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So what exactly does a person who does not drive and has the no desire to travel abroad carry? Best give them an 'ID' card to leave their house?
- Michael, London, 30/03/2009 16:01
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Soon it will not be necessary for our children to read "1984" as they will be living in it.
- John, London, 30/03/2009 15:18
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This will be the first time I will need a passport to go to work.
Its not acceptable.
- Malc, London,England, 30/03/2009 15:06
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ASK THE POLICE FOR THEIR WARRANT CARDS
- Adam Winter, harrow, 30/03/2009 15:04
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What a cheek! being asked to show ID in your own country because a load of foreigners are visiting!
- Sarah Bradshaw, Enfield, Middx, 30/03/2009 14:55
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I live near the Arsenal stadium and before and after matches have been asked by police to provide proof of identity in order to get to and from my home. That really does stick in the craw.
At least with G20 there will be some point to the exercise rather that pure commercial gain.
- Judy, London UK, 30/03/2009 14:53
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So big brother is alive and well and living in England.
But you all knew that.
- Ann Louisa, Southampton, 30/03/2009 14:07
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wasnt it just last week that the government had the audacity to tell us they were committed to democracy and human rights. how quickly they forget? or perhaps just plain dont care? well the residents of east london know what to do when we have the general election. unless comrade brown decides to abolish this, along with our human rights and freedoms!
- Josh, london, 30/03/2009 13:40
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Folk in London had better get used to the idea - they are living in a Police State gone mad.
I reiterate - the UK is finished.
And sheeple in the UK only have themselves to blame for the blatant errosion of their civil liberties - all done in the name of "terrorism".
- Reuben Camara, Morecambe UK, 30/03/2009 13:38
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Achtung!
Halt!
Who goze dehr?
Shnell, Shnell ve haf vays of makin you tork
- Adam, Harrow, UK, 30/03/2009 13:26
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The police have no legal right (yet) to insist on ID being carried by residents.
They should all refuse to comply, and then take the police to court for breach of human rights.
- P Staker, London, 30/03/2009 12:47
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And at what time does the curfew come into effect?
- Jimbob, Kensington, 30/03/2009 12:37
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Out of interest, how do you get photo ID at short notice if you don't have it already? Not everyone has a passport, not everybody drives, not all employers issue photo-ID cards and not everyone works for an employer.
Are they softening us up for "voluntary" ID cards, without which the police will be able to ban you from your own home?
- Nigel, London, 30/03/2009 11:48
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As an 'almost local' I can appreciate the problem, but like most Londoners' security restrictions and checks have been a feature of daily life. Look on the positive side; top 30 leaders of the world visit magnificent city regeneration project,(Tory inspired) on the cusp of 2012 World Olympics site (unnecessary expenditure of a Keynsian nature; unbelievable BlairLabour foresight). In addition these world wide opinion makers can view the towering offices where bankers and financiers devised (and devise) their fiendish schemes to make 2 + 2 = 5 (or more)which alledgedly accerbated a belated world recession.In addition they can dwell on empty docks, a potential symbol of the end of free trade and growth of protectionism, or muse on the demise of Jack Dash and his socialist pals and the 'Stump.' Whatever this event is, it is a mix of conundrums and confused signals but in marketing terms it would do the London Tourist Board credit. It has got to be preferable that a confrence in Earls Court? Film rights for Disney or Monty Python?
- Ray, London, 30/03/2009 11:40
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Ensure "public safety" - is ANYONE fooled?
Let's hope residents near the Excel Centre feel as let down as the majority of the population and fancy a little demo this week .......
- Marianne, SW France, 30/03/2009 10:46
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What ever happened to 'Without let or hinderance'?
- Al, Kingstown UK, 30/03/2009 10:43
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