Biometric ID cards

The government is planning to introduce biometric identity cards and there seems to have been no discussion about the issue.

Are people prepared to have a biometric identity card? Do people really know what it is? Will Big Brother watch every step we take? How secure are our personal data?

What kind of biometric data will the card contain? Is this information really necessary, or are we exaggerating just to be one of the first in the world to be 'technology advanced' but compromising our identity security in the process? This kind of ID card will dramatically reduce security and privacy and increase the risk of identity theft. Citizens in certain countries are still debating whether to introduce an ID card, let alone a biometric version.

May I opt not to have one, without being discriminated against? People need more information.