David and John Marsh, 43, of West Close, Carleton, spent a Saturday on the market place to spread their fears about an issue they feel strongly about.

The pair are members of the campaign group No2ID and, together with local co-ordinator Ross Bennett, of Monk Fryston, they set up a stall in the town to speak to members of the public.

David Marsh said: "I think people have misunderstandings about what ID cards are about. If it was merely like a glorified bus pass, then there would clearly be no issue.

"One problem is the massive amounts of personal data that would be gathered, which creates an audit trail. It means it would not just be ID but a form of surveillance."

Ross Bennett added: "The amount of data they want to gather is far more than necessary. To have it all in one place leaves it vulnerable to mistakes, hackers or getting lost, as we have seen in recent times.

"The cards would also shift the relationship between citizen and state. At the moment, you're free to move about as you like, and as long as you keep your nose clean, no-one messes with you.

"But the ID cards turn that around. If you change your address and don't tell them, you are fined £1,000. If you don't turn up to the ID interview, you're fined £2,500. It's as if you have to justify your existence to the government. The whole shift is worrying."