The UK Government’s push for a mandatory digital ID system has sparked a heated backlash from Labour MPs, who warn it could squander public money and erode civil liberties without offering real benefits.
In a fiery exchange in Parliament, Labour figures including Nadia Whittome, Richard Burgon, Charlotte Nichols, and Stella Creasy questioned the necessity, cost, and implications of the digital identification scheme being proposed by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology.
Labour MPs Slam Digital ID Plans
The proposed digital ID scheme, according to Technology Secretary Liz Kendall, would be mandatory only for employers conducting right-to-work checks, as part of broader efforts to clamp down on illegal employment practices.
But the reassurances didn’t calm critics on the Labour benches.
“It won’t tackle irregular working, it undermines civil liberties, it’s divisive among the public, and it won’t make a difference to people’s lives. Why are we burning political capital and public money on this?” said Nadia Whittome, MP for Nottingham East.
Whittome warned the Government risks alienating the public by prioritising a scheme that few people are demanding.
“Not a single person has ever told me that what they really need to improve their lives… is mandatory digital ID,” she said.
No Sanctions for Individuals Yet Questions Remain
Kendall insisted the IDs would remain voluntary for public service access and that “the police would never demand to see the IDs.”
The initiative, she added, would allow citizens to streamline interactions with government departments by “telling their story once.”
But Labour MPs weren’t convinced. A consultation is due before year-end, with plans to build the system in-house. Still, concerns over cost and transparency dominated the discussion.
“Isn’t it a really big waste of money?” asked Richard Burgon, MP for Leeds East. “Shouldn’t the Government instead be focusing on what is the number one priority for people across the country – tackling the cost-of-living crisis?”
Burgon raised additional fears over privacy and data security, highlighting potential risks of sensitive information being mishandled or sold to third-party tech firms, particularly in the US.
No Clear Price Tag for the Rollout
Stella Creasy, MP for Walthamstow, pushed Kendall to reveal projected costs. Referencing estimates of £1 billion to £2 billion to implement, plus an annual £100 million in maintenance, Creasy warned that a single data breach could cost the economy 1.1% of GDP.
“She said this would be free. Ultimately, the taxpayer will have to pay for it,” Creasy said. “Could she give us, if not at least a ballpark figure for the capital and revenue costs she’s envisioning?”
Kendall didn’t give a number, instead stressing “potential savings” from fraud reduction and efficiency gains across public services.
Tories Accuse Labour of Pushing Centralised Control
From the Conservative side, Shadow Secretary Julia Lopez lashed out at the scheme, framing it as evidence of Labour’s alleged preference for “centralised databases, state mandation, big money, the exclusion of private sector expertise.”
“This is not about Luddite versus modernisers… Why create this honeypot for hackers?” she said. “When Brits are forced to have ID as illegal migration continues unabated, it will confirm fears of a two-tier society.”
Lopez’s comments drew a sharp response from Kendall: “Well, that is definitely the first time I’ve been called a ‘big fat socialist.’”
Public Pushback Builds
The controversy is already resonating outside Westminster. Former defence minister Andrew Murrison highlighted that over three million people have signed an online petition opposing digital IDs.
Despite this, Kendall remains steadfast.
“I think that trying to get Government services to talk to one another and work more effectively is what people want.”
As the consultation looms, the Government faces mounting pressure to justify the digital ID rollout, not only in terms of cost but also public trust, cybersecurity, and basic necessity. With MPs from both sides raising sharp concerns, the scheme may face an uphill battle before any rollout begins.
Stay tuned to UK News Blog for the latest updates as this story develops.
