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Mandatory Digital ID
21 October 2025
Lead MP
Pete Wishart
Perth and Kinross-shire
SNP
Responding Minister
Ian Murray
Tags
Employment
Word Count: 10199
Other Contributors: 23
At a Glance
Pete Wishart raised concerns about mandatory digital id in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key Requests to Government:
The Government should abandon their plans for a mandatory digital ID scheme to protect privacy and civil liberties.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
The petition calling for the proposals to be scrapped has become one of the fastest growing ever, with almost 3 million signatories. The scheme is mandatory, not voluntary, as it is compulsory for work and could include 13-year-olds, although disputed by the Government. It uses veterans as guinea pigs and raises concerns about privacy, civil liberties, mass surveillance, government overreach, data security risks, and potential leaks like those seen at Amazon workplaces.
Alex Easton
Ind
North Down
Agreed with the hon. Member that the vast majority of the population across the UK see this as a breach of their data and oppose it.
Orkney and Shetland
Asked about the use of a covid passport in Scotland, believing it was not a mistake but necessary.
Ben Maguire
LD
North Cornwall
Asked if the government's priorities are wrong, given they have found £2 billion for compensation that they previously claimed to not have.
Brian Leishman
Ind
Alloa and Grangemouth
Criticism of inequality and civil liberties infringement by the scheme. Emphasis on data privacy breaches and benefits to big tech corporations over citizens.
Carla Lockhart
DUP
Upper Bann
Opposed digital IDs as a direct attack on freedoms, arguing they will not stop illegal immigration and are unwanted by constituents.
Brecon, Radnor and Cwm Tawe
Expressed skepticism about the feasibility and cost-effectiveness of a national ID system given current government capabilities in data transfer.
David Davis
Con
Hemel Hempstead
Inquired why there is disagreement among cyber experts regarding the digital ID scheme's security. Questioning the Government's stance on digital ID systems and foreign tech dependence.
Arthur
Con
Nottingham East
Attempted to interject but was not given way by the lead MP. Said that there will be a hard-copy alternative for those who are not on the internet if the scheme goes ahead, and condemned fear-mongering about digital exclusion.
Ben Spencer
Con
Runnymede and Weybridge
Highlighted concerns about digital exclusion, the costs of the scheme, and cyber-security issues within Government Departments.
Roz Savage
LD
South Cotswolds
Raised concerns about potential security risks, mandatory nature, and repurposing digital IDs as surveillance tools.
Scott Arthur
Lab
Edinburgh South West
Asked whether the hon. Member shares concerns about the Scot card being a mandatory ID system in Scotland and worries that data could be leaked.
Emily Darlington
Lab
Milton Keynes Central
Emphasised the need for people to know what information the Government holds on them and who has accessed it, supporting Jo White's points about transparency and personal control. Discussed the benefits of a free, digital Government-backed ID to prevent fraud and prove identity for various purposes including work and accessing over-18 content online.
Moray West, Nairn and Strathspey
Critiqued the sudden push for digital IDs as a mandatory tool for work purposes without democratic mandate or clear benefits. Questioned whether the ID scheme is mandatory if people want to work in the UK.
Gregory Stafford
Con
Farnham and Bordon
Asked how elderly people without smartphones would access the digital ID system. Shared survey results showing strong opposition to digital IDs among constituents, citing concerns over privacy infringement and lack of justification.
Iqbal Mohamed
Ind
Dewsbury and Batley
Opposition based on risks around data privacy, surveillance culture, user profiling, exclusion, focus creep. Emphasis on lack of safe system for digital ID implementation.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Opposition to digital ID cards due to threats to British liberty, concerns over cyber-hacking, and clear opposition from constituents. Inquired about how the Government would react to political opposition from both sides of the community in Northern Ireland regarding the ID card scheme.
Jo White
Lab
Bassetlaw
Visited Estonia and highlighted transparency in data usage, advocating for personal control over data as seen in Estonian digital ID systems.
Martin Wrigley
Lab
Worsley and Eccles South
Criticism of mandatory digital ID as a costly vanity project that does not achieve its goals, especially regarding illegal workers in the UK. Concerns about digital exclusion. Asked for clarification on certain aspects of the digital identity programme. Critiques the idea of a meaningful consultation when the Government has already decided on proceeding with mandatory digital ID, emphasizing it is more about resolving issues rather than a genuine process.
Adnan Hussain
Ind
Blackburn
Asked the Minister to commit to a direct vote in the House on the digital ID scheme before its rollout.
Asked for clarification on specific aspects of the digital identity programme.
Peter Swallow
Lab
Bracknell
Asked about the feasibility of proving age online safely with a digital ID in relation to the Online Safety Act 2023.
Stuart Anderson
Con
South Shropshire
Disagreed with using veterans as guinea pigs to test the digital ID system, calling it absurd and unfair. Raised concerns about mandatory ID cards being an overreach and highlighted issues of digital exclusion, especially for elderly people in his constituency who lack high-speed connectivity.
Harpenden and Berkhamsted
Highlighted the issue of digital exclusion for those without smartphones, citing a constituent's concern over losing societal inclusion due to lack of phone access. Questioned how much taxpayer money is being wasted on a scheme with no mandate and public support while frontline services suffer. Highlights the voluntary nature of the system being discussed versus a mandatory one. Questions whether the Government truly wants to support economic growth and individuals' choices through this initiative.
Government Response
Ian Murray
The Minister for Digital Government and Data
Government Response
Explained that a full consultation will be launched by the end of this year, addressing concerns about myths and providing examples from Scotland. Stressed that having digital ID is not mandatory or compulsory in the UK, drawing comparisons to passports required for travel. Emphasized an inclusive approach ensuring services are available for all users.
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Assessment & feedback
Summary accuracy
About Westminster Hall Debates
Westminster Hall debates are a chance for MPs to raise important issues affecting their constituents and get a response from a government minister. Unlike Prime Minister's Questions, these debates are more in-depth and collaborative. The MP who secured the debate speaks first, other MPs can contribute, and a minister responds with the government's position.