CAMPAIGNERS have formed a pressure group to fight the Government's "horrendous" plans to introduce ID cards.

Residents have set up Lewisham NO2ID because they fear the proposed security measure will turn Britain into "a police state".

Opposition party leaders have joined forces to back the group, as they claim ID cards will lead to council tax hikes for residents.

Lewisham NO2ID the borough's branch of the national Say NO2ID campaign has been formed by a group of residents against ID cards.

NO2ID spokesman Ben Summers says the cards will be "horrendously expensive" and are open to fraud.

He said: "There is an old saying the Government should fear the people, the people should not fear the Government, but ID cards would turn us into a police state.

"It is a civil liberties issue. What the Government wants to introduce is an intrusive and invasive database."

Lewisham's Lib Dem, Conservative, Green and Socialist parties are all backing the pressure group.

The Government says ID cards, which would be compulsory, could cost up to £93 each to produce.

Lewisham Conservative leader Councillor Barrie Anderson says residents in Lewisham and other boroughs will end up footing the bill.

He said: "It is appalling to think council tax could rise.

"If the Government wants ID cards it should pay for them, not the taxpayer."

Socialist member for Honor Oak Councillor Chris Flood added: "There is no evidence to suggest ID cards will change anything.

"The gains are not proven and the costs are huge."

Cllr Flood raised the issue of ID cards at a recent council meeting but his motion opposing the Government's policy was defeated by Labour councillors.

Lewisham Mayor Steve Bullock said: "I am confident Home Office ministers will deliver ID cards successfully and am reassured there will be no impact on council tax rates."