Dear Constituent,
Thank you for your email and for expressing your strong opposition to the Government’s announcement regarding the rollout of a compulsory digital ID scheme.
I stand by the views I previously shared with constituents on this matter. The introduction of mandatory digital identification is a serious and unwelcome intrusion into personal privacy and individual liberty. It is regrettable that the Labour Government has chosen to pursue this policy, which was not included in their election manifesto and has no democratic mandate.
Previous research undertaken for the Cabinet Office found that nine in ten people already hold a valid and recognisable form of photographic identification, and the Government has previously ruled out the introduction of compulsory digital ID cards.
While there are legitimate arguments for and against digital identity systems, many people already use them voluntarily for banking and online services, the key principle must be choice. Conservatives are not opposed to innovation, but we will not support any system that mandates ID for law-abiding citizens or excludes those who choose not to participate from accessing their full rights.
As the leader of HM Opposition has said, Labour’s digital ID proposal is a gimmick. It will not stop illegal migration, nor will it fix the serious issues facing our borders. Italy, France and Germany all have national ID systems, yet they continue to face similar or greater levels of unauthorised arrivals.
As a Conservative Member of Parliament, I am firmly opposed to these proposals. My colleagues and I on the opposition benches will continue to challenge this scheme in Parliament and make clear our rejection of a system that risks creating a checkpoint culture, undermining civil liberties and excluding those who are digitally vulnerable.
I will continue to speak out against these plans and advocate for a system that respects individual choice and protects the freedoms that define our society.
Thank you again for taking the time to contact me.
Sincerely,
