'We must reject this surveillance state before it is too late'

Fears over security of our digital IDs

- By David Williamson

THE nation is in danger of becoming a "surveillance state" if digital ID cards are rolled out, a former Tory party chairman warned as a think tank backed their introduction.

Sir Keir Starmer is widely expected to introduce the identity checks in a bid to crack down on illegal working, while the Tony Blair Institute is calling for a "super app".

It claims this could close loopholes exploited by trafficking gangs, cut down on fraud and help people with everyday tasks, such as reporting potholes or missed bin collections.

However, there is intense concern about the access to personal data and a petition against digital IDs has had more than 112,000 signatures.

Ex-MP Sir Jake Berry, who defected to Reform UK, warned: "This policy is not about border security.

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