They've promised to scrap the more objectionable aspects. Which led to the labour government agreeing to massive financial lock-in with suppliers so it's hard to unpick and/or saves little money if you do. Nice.

I would be *very* happy with an ID card designed to ease ID proof for online and in person transactions whilst retaining privacy. Very possible. I am horrified by the implications of the UK ID scheme as is, and more so by how it is being introduced. One point on both:
(a) the scheme isn't just about ID, it's about a single unified database of everyone in the country - citizen or not - that contains everything from your address to your medical records and is accessible to millions of civil servant (local or national) with promises of policy and technology to magically make sure zero data is lost & zero abuse is made.
(b) The stated purpose of the scheme keeps changing. The government is adamant on introducing the mechanics to allow a "big brother" state, without any consistent reason why that holds water (they keep changing their story), and a "you can trust us, what have you got to hide if you're innocent?" line for their main defence. I don't believe the government wants a big brother state. Alas it's patently clear they have not learned the lessons of the past when you give yourself such wide spread powers.

Fortunately, opposition has consistently grown as details become clearer and the government's woeful track record for data management is highlighted. Add in the huge cost vs the current economic situation, and I suspect the scheme will be heavily watered down. Instead we're likely to be subjected to a central database of all (summary info) telephone calls and emails - presumably the main reasons you'll need a passport to get a SIM. Sigh.