I believe that the introduction of mandatory identity cards would be detrimental to privacy and individual liberty, requiring undue intrusion by the state.
Digital ID would be an expensive white elephant that would do nothing to deter illegal migrants from crossing the channel. It would also create a huge national database that would be vulnerable to cyber-attacks. Previous research undertaken for the Cabinet Office found that nine in ten people already hold a valid and recognisable form of photographic identification.
I want to thank the hundreds of people who responded to my snap survey on the government’s proposal. The overwhelming majority agree with my view that it is a very bad idea.
I believe that the Prime Minister has raised this subject in an attempt to distract voters from the various scandals engulfing his government. In my view it has simply enraged people further.
I can confirm that I will vote against Digital ID in the House of Commons.
