ID cards

Things have gone quiet about ID cards in Britain, especially since the latest bombings allegedly by Al Qaeda (spelling seems to vary considerably). As I recall, there has been a charge of anything between £100-300 "suggested". This must be a joke. As a citizen of this country am I seriously expected to pay for the right to live in this country? And what of immigrants? Do they get their ID card free?

I have been in this country all my life with all the associated records throughout this time that have accumulated, and I would be expected to pay for my ID card. An immigrant who has no verifiable proof of information gets it for nothing?

I must be joking. I hope so.