Emma Lewell MP: Digital ID gives feeling of encroachment on our fundamental freedoms and state control inherently un-British
In September, when the Government’s proposals for mandatory digital ID were publicised, I issued a statement opposing them.
I remain opposed to these plans. A recent Parliamentary petition received 2.9 million signatures, over 5,000 of which were from South Shields. It is clear that this is something the public does not want.
Furthermore, the Government does not have a mandate to introduce digital ID. It was not in our manifesto, the policy proposals lack any real detail and there is limited information on who will have control over our personal information or how it would be protected from fraudsters.
Public sector data leaks are common in the UK and often with devastating consequences for those whose data has been compromised, such as the Afghan data breach.
When it comes to areas like South Shields, which is an area of digital exclusion, this proposal will only entrench disadvantage.
We have been told it is to stop illegal working, yet in the countries that have digital ID it has not done so. The Police and HMRC already have powers in this sphere and it is unlikely that an unscrupulous employer will start doing checks on illegal workers because of digital ID.
We have also been told it is about reforming our public services - but at what cost? Surely the estimated £1.8bn introducing it will cost is better spent invested in those very same public services?
In the context of the increasing roll out of facial recognition, the DWP having powers to snoop on bank accounts and the proposed removal of trials by jury, there is an overall feeling of encroachment on our fundamental freedoms and creeping state control that all feels inherently un-British.
The Government will consult on their proposals next year. Please do make your feelings known. I certainly have and I will continue to do that.
Fundamentally, any government that seeks to infringe on civil liberties in this way would first need to have high levels of trust with the public. Something this Government does not have.