NO2ID

If the Government has bought shares in banks, can it introduce policies that require the use of the ID card for all transactions, together with attendant records on the Database?

The government, if it has a majority, can do anything.

It could not do what you suggest by virtue of control of the banks' policies however. Bank policy has to be in accordance with the law.

However, it might be much more difficult for banks under state ownership to lobby against new regulation with such effects.

I think this is unlikely in such a simple form.

I have wondered however, if having majority shares in some of the banks will make them want to take a more active role in Anti-Money Laundering controls, ID and Verification procedures for opening an account, Anti-Terrorist Sanction lists etc...

We may see government take a more active interest in the information the banks already hold, and the processes in place for monitoring it.

All my opinion, no real substance.

To all practical intents this happens for transactions over I believe £2,000 - the banks notify the government of all transactions over that limit.

You might notice a question when you cash in an endowment policy such as what are you going to do with the money? The clerks aren't actually interested, they just need to note down "buy new car", "double glazing" etc - it's done under money laundering legislation.

If you started transferring large sums, even say £10,000, they'd be asking for your ID straight away... so as I say, this is already in existent, but hidden.
The shares aren't needed, as it's already being reported back to big brother...

They run cross matching profiles, so if you were on benefits, they'd pull you.

Basically NOTHING must be deposited into a UK bank, or even a foreign office of a UK bank, even if it's an endowment policy or a lottery win.

I'd hate to see the limit lowered to say £250, or even purchasing a new TV would trigger an investigation... ohhh sorry, it already does (TV licence detectors).