Thousands of civil liberties advocates took to the streets of London on Saturday to protest the Labour Party government's plans to introduce digital ID cards in the UK. The protest, which saw demonstrators marching from Marble Arch to Whitehall, came in response to Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer's proposal to roll out a "Brit Card" digital ID system by 2029.
The protesters, carrying banners reading "No to Digital ID," "If You Accept Digital ID Today, You’ve Accepted Social Credit Tomorrow," and "Once Scanned, Never Free," voiced concerns over the potential implications of a national digital identity system. The proposal was initially pitched by Starmer as a way to combat illegal migration, particularly by preventing shady employers from hiring migrants under the table. However, the plans have since raised alarm over the scope and potential misuse of the system.
According to reports, government officials are now considering expanding the digital ID’s role far beyond immigration control. Plans include making digital IDs necessary for everyday activities, such as proving age when buying alcohol, and even issuing IDs to children as young as 13.
Silkie Carlo, director of the civil liberties group Big Brother Watch, sharply criticized the proposal, warning that it could lead to a "surveillance state" with the digital IDs used for everything from banking to education. “Starmer has sold his Orwellian digital ID scheme to the public on the lie that it will only be used to stop illegal working,” Carlo said. “Now the truth is becoming clear. We now know that digital IDs could be the backbone of a surveillance state.”
The backlash to the plans has been significant. A petition launched in June opposing the digital ID system has garnered nearly three million signatures, prompting a debate in Parliament. The petition states that the system would lead to “mass surveillance and digital control” and that no one should be forced to register with a state-controlled ID system.
The Labour government has responded by emphasizing the benefits of the digital ID, claiming it will make accessing government services easier and help tackle illegal migration. “We will introduce a digital ID within this Parliament,” the government said. “We will consult on details soon.”
However, Brexit leader Nigel Farage has vowed that if his Reform UK party gains power, he will immediately scrap any digital ID system implemented by the Labour government. Farage criticized the digital ID plans, stating that while it may not solve the issue of illegal immigration, it would give the state undue control over citizens. “The state should never have this much power,” he said.
As opposition to the digital ID system grows, it remains to be seen whether the government will press ahead with the proposal or reconsider its approach in light of public and political pressure.
