Case for digital IDs does very little to ease huge concerns

COMPULSORY digital ID for the UK has once again reared its ugly head. But while some might think it’s the silver bullet needed to tackle our illegal migration crisis, there are justified concerns about its introduction and likely abuses. Campaigners say such a scheme could disenfranchise vulnerable groups such as disabled people and pensioners, due to access issues.

- Duncan Barkes

DETAILS ON TAP: Labour's ID plan involves using your device to prove who you are

But it is not just Labour MPs supporting the idea, Tories such as former Conservative leader William Hague and ex-home secretary Kenneth Clarke back it too. They argue times have changed since their original opposition 15 years ago when the Labour Government of 1997 to 2010 wanted to introduce compulsory ID cards.

The idea was scrapped when the coalition Government was formed in 2010. Lord Clarke believes we cannot successfully control immigration without digital ID, while Lord Hague argues that many of us already carry around personal information on our smartphones and that a digital ID card is a natural extension of this.

He also makes the valid point that millions already share personal data with tech companies like Microsoft, Google, Apple and others, so why balk at the idea of having a form of Government-backed digital ID?