not sure why this is a surprise to the MSM

The Times, for example:

The Government is looking at using “coercion” tactics as a way of introducing the controversial ID card scheme, a leaked memo suggests.

The Home Office document said that young people could be made to apply for an ID card when they applied for a driving licence.

Gordon Brown has always insisted that ID cards would remain voluntary unless Parliament decided otherwise. But the latest memo headed “Options Analysis” suggests that officials are already thinking about how they can be made compulsory.

It states: “Various forms of coercion, such as designation of the application process for identity documents issued by UK ministers (eg, passports) are an option to stimulate applications in a manageable way.

“There are advantages to designation of documents associated with particular target groups, eg, young people who may be applying for their first driving licence.”

The document adds that “universal compulsion should not be used unless absolutely necessary”.

It’s in the Identity Cards Act, in the sections about designated documents and entries on the National Identity Register. A Minister can designate a document, for example a passport or driving licence, and when you apply for that document you will be entered on to the Register.  Of course, if you don’t mind living an abnormal life (80% of UK population have passports, don’t know the figure for driving licenses) this enrolment is entirely ‘voluntary’.

Clearly it is preferable to coerce people into being enrolled as a side-effect rather requiring them to enrol as the primary goal.

Nice to have these underhand tactics being published though.