Labour MPs warn Government digital ID scheme will unnecessarily cost support

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"The Government risks losing support over its proposals for digital IDs, Labour MPs have said, as they raised concerns about the impact on civil liberties and the cost. Nadia Whittome, Richard Burgon, Charlotte Nichols and Stella Creasy all questioned how necessary the IDs were, and whether the Government could spend the money better. Technology Secretary Liz Kendall said the digital IDs would only be mandatory for employers to see on right-to-work checks, as the Government bids to clamp down on illegal working."

"However, Ms Kendall added that for those who wanted to, it could improve access to public services. Meanwhile, individuals would not face sanctions, only employers, and the police would never demand to see the IDs, Ms Kendall said. She said the Government had learned from countries such as Estonia and Denmark who had used the IDs already, and allowed people to tell their story once when dealing with public services. A consultation will begin before the end of the year, MPs heard, as they were told any system would be built in house."

Independent reporters cover issues from reproductive rights to climate change and Big Tech, funded by reader donations that keep reporting free without paywalls. Donations support journalists in investigating topics such as political PAC finances and producing documentaries that profile American women fighting for reproductive rights. Labour MPs warned the Government may lose support over proposed digital IDs, citing concerns about civil liberties, necessity, and cost. Named MPs questioned whether funds could be better spent. The Technology Secretary said digital IDs would be mandatory only for employers conducting right-to-work checks, would not trigger individual sanctions, and a consultation will begin before year-end with any system built in-house.

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