The petition opposing the introduction of digital ID cards in the UK has attracted almost three million signatures, which means it will be debated in Parliament on 8th December 2025.
The Government announced plans in September to introduce a mandatory digital ID system, which Prime Minister Keir Starmer described as a tool to tackle illegal immigration and streamline access to government services.
The digital ID, dubbed the ‘BritCard’, would become compulsory for anyone working in the UK by the end of this parliamentary term in 2029.
MPs share their views
OnTheWight asked Isle of Wight MPs for their views on the introduction of Digital IDs.
Joe Robertson, Conservative MP for Isle of Wight East, told OnTheWight,
“I am concerned that the government is pursuing the introduction of digital ID despite it not appearing in their manifesto. The world is changing and there may be some benefits, but these must be weighed against clear risks to privacy, civil liberties, and cyber security.
“Large British companies are already being hit by hostile attacks on their data, so the government must show convincingly that any digital ID system would be genuinely safe. I’m also not persuaded that digital ID will tackle the root causes of illegal migration, given small boat crossings continue to rise.
“I’ll look closely at the detail of the Bill and will scrutinise the plans carefully to ensure that any system enhances security without undermining people’s freedoms.”
Richard Quigley, Labour MP for Isle of Wight West, told OnTheWight,
“If it is to improve the flow of modern life, like in Denmark, Spain, and Estonia I see it as a good thing.
“In terms of managing migration, I don’t see how it will help as a mechanism.”
Concerns over state control
OnTheWight readers have voiced strong concerns about the proposal in recent letters to the editor.
Hans Bromwich from Cowes warned that digital IDs will give the state control over almost every aspect of citizens’ lives.
He argued the scheme would integrate digital IDs across numerous platforms, allowing AI to track activity in real-time.
Mr Bromwich suggested the system could affect access to private healthcare, writing,
“Perhaps you go to the pub every night and drink too much? You order takeaway pizzas four times a week? You only walk 2000 steps a day? Then best of luck buying Nigel Farage’s replacement for our NHS, private health care, at a price you can afford.”
Healthcare access fears
Harry, a 31-year-old nurse from Newport, expressed particular alarm about the implications for healthcare.
He described Labour’s announcement as disturbing, noting that MPs appeared on television within hours saying the system could stop “the wrong sort of people” accessing healthcare.
Harry wrote,
“As a nurse, I cannot stress how disturbing and sinister this is. Who decides who gets treatment? Who decides who has the right to exist or not?”
He characterised the digital ID as “simply a licence to exist” and questioned whether citizens should trust the current government or future administrations with such power.
“No good reason for digital ID”
Harry described several scenarios that concerned him, including police demanding people present online ID in the street and hospitals asking for ID before providing emergency medicine.
He stated,
“There is no good reason for digital ID. Only very sinister ones.”
Mr Bromwich highlighted concerns about facial recognition technology at protests and location tracking through mobile phones.
He warned that citizens’ ability to withdraw money, pay for groceries, or travel could be switched off “at a whim”.
Growing opposition
The petition, created by Maxim Sutcliff, demands the Government immediately commits to not introducing digital ID cards.
It describes the proposal as “a step towards mass surveillance and digital control”.
Opposition parties and civil liberties groups have spoken out against the scheme, citing concerns about surveillance, data breaches and digital exclusion.
The Liberal Democrats have said they will not support mandatory ID cards, with spokesperson Victoria Collins stating people would be “forced to turn over their private data just to go about their daily lives”.
Government response
The Government maintains the digital ID system will make people’s everyday lives easier and more secure.
Officials state it will not be a criminal offence to not hold a digital ID and police will not be able to demand to see one as part of a stop and search.
The Government insists privacy and security will be central to the digital ID programme, following data protection law and best practice.
The parliamentary debate on 8th December will be available to watch online on the UK Parliament YouTube channel.
