An identity card should replace stopgap ID

SIR – So many problems seem to arise from central (and local) government being unable to identify each individual present in this country.

I already identify myself with a driving licence, passport or sometimes National Insurance number. Some people living here have none of these.

On holiday in France, I always carry my passport. All French residents have to be able to show who they are with their identity cards. Jean Brushfield

Tunbridge Wells, Kent

SIR – Gill Stormont (Letters, July 2) is asked for her National Insurance number at her local garage.

She could always challenge them under GDPR to explain what they are going to use it for, who is going to have access to it, where it is going to be stored, how it is going to be protected, and when it will be deleted.

When I deal with anyone other than a government department, I never give my true details, as I don’t see how the recipient could ever validate them.

I don’t give my mother’s real maiden name, I used the married name of a favourite aunt (deceased). I don’t give out my National Insurance number, I make one up that follows the pattern.

If I get unsolicited phone calls, I ask them to answer questions to confirm my identity from their records; if they can’t, they’re obviously fraudulent (or incompetent – I haven’t spoken to my banking relationship manager in years as he fails my interrogation). Keith Appleyard

West Wickham, Kent