Government proposals for mandatory digital ID

Motion Text

That this House expresses deep concern at Government proposals for a mandatory digital ID system; believes such a scheme would cross a red line for civil liberties, threatening privacy while doing little to meet the Government’s stated aims on immigration; further believes that digital tools should empower individuals with control over their data, not extend state control over their lives; notes that mandatory digital ID risks deepening digital exclusion, particularly for older people, disabled people and those on low incomes; is alarmed at the potential cost to taxpayers and the Government’s poor record on data security, including recent breaches at the Legal Aid Agency and Ministry of Defence; further notes that the Cyber Resilience Bill, which should form the bedrock of any such scheme, has yet to be laid before Parliament; is concerned that Ministers continue to conflate digital ID with e-government tools and improving public services; and therefore calls on the Government to abandon plans for a mandatory digital ID.