'I hope the whole country goes against it' vs 'what's the problem?'

OPINIONS DIVIDED ON GOVERNMENT PLANS FOR DIGITAL ID CARDS

- By DANIEL HODGSON

THE people of Middlesbrough have shared their views on government plans to introduce digital ID.

Locals on Linthorpe Road had contrasting reactions, with some ardently against the plans which are set to be mandatory in the coming years, while others were more blase and a sizeable minority of people who spoke to the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) were in favour of the proposals.

The Labour government has set out its ambition to see digital IDs rolled out across the country before the next general election, which must be held by summer 2029.

The government argues that the measures will help curb illegal immigration.

It will be compulsory for people to have a digital ID if they want to work in the country, but the plans will be optional for students and pensioners. By their digital nature, these IDs won't be carried around, but rather take the form of an app, like the NHS app.

The change means that employers will no longer be able to rely on a National Insurance number. Various opposition parties in Westminster have spoken against the plans, with civil liberties groups also voicing concerns.