Labour has come under fire for its proposed digital ID scheme, with critics accusing the party of displaying “utter contempt” for pensioners and vulnerable populations. The initiative, announced by Sir Keir Starmer in September 2023, aims to streamline access to government services while addressing illegal immigration. However, advocates for older individuals have raised concerns that the plan could marginalize millions of citizens who lack access to the internet or smartphones.
The campaign group Silver Voices issued a warning ahead of a government consultation set to take place in early 2024. The group’s director, Dennis Reed, highlighted that approximately 4.5 million people in the UK do not own a smartphone, and around two million households remain offline. “The failure of the government to consider the digitally excluded before announcing its compulsory digital ID plans shows utter contempt for the most vulnerable sections of the community,” Reed stated.
Reed’s comments reflect a broader concern that the digital ID initiative could replicate the hardships faced by working-class individuals during the Victorian era. He criticized Labour for prioritizing economic growth over the needs of these groups, stating, “They seem intent on repeating similar misery with the digital revolution.”
The proposed digital ID would be mandatory for individuals wishing to work in the UK, a measure aimed at reducing illegal immigration. Nevertheless, Starmer has assured the public that those who choose not to adopt the digital ID will still have access to essential services. This assurance follows remarks made by Darren Jones, the Prime Minister’s chief secretary, who suggested that digital ID could serve as “the bedrock of the modern state.” Such comments have exacerbated fears that the initiative may not be as inclusive as advertised.
Public sentiment appears to be shifting against the digital ID scheme. An online petition opposing the initiative has garnered nearly three million signatures on the official Parliament website. Additionally, a YouGov poll indicated a significant decline in public support for digital ID following its announcement in September.
Opposition parties, including the Conservatives, Reform UK, and the Liberal Democrats, have also criticized the government’s approach. In response to these concerns, a government spokesperson emphasized that a comprehensive inclusion strategy would be implemented. This strategy aims to provide face-to-face support and hands-on assistance for those who struggle to access modern services, particularly due to factors such as age, economic status, or digital skills.
“We will make this system work for everyone,” the spokesperson stated. “The new scheme will be inclusive, secure, and useful. It will give people more control over their data than they have now and make public services easier to access, serving everyone better across the country.”
As the consultation approaches in the New Year, the debate surrounding the digital ID initiative continues to intensify. The government faces mounting pressure to ensure that its plans do not leave vulnerable populations behind in the digital age.
