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So they can scan the card with a device that is not connected to any network. At best they could cryptographically sign the card to insure the information is at worst a copy of valid information. But, I don't see them doing this any time soon.

PS: As to why you would want a device that can work without a network think terrorists taking down the network, classic government incompetence, or just lower costs.

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If terrorists have already taken down the network, what's the point of an ID card or any of the billions spent on increasing our "safety"....?

On that subject, has anyone done the numbers on the number of people that would be saved by putting the same money spent on anti-terror bullshit into the NHS vs the number of people saved from terrorism?

The intent isn't (purely) anti-terrorism. It's an effort towards reducing things like benefit fraud, too. So any success from the card reduces these kind of budget 'leaks.'

And an ID card prevents this...how? ID cards will be optional for UK citizens...

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