If you’re a regular reader you’ll know that a few days ago I responded to the UK government’s public consultation on the matter of digital ID, and encouraged others to as well. If you missed that article, you can read it here.
At the end I encouraged you to share your submission with your MP, as I did with mine.
I’m pleased to say that my MP has now responded to me, and I am able to share his response with you here (you’ll note the remote content payload for tracking, which I have permanently disabled to protect my privacy).
For the most part I’m reassured by this email, for example
I fully share your concerns when it comes on[sic] digital ID; these plans pose a serious risk to personal privacy and civil liberties.
and
The Government must do far more to educate the public on how their data is used, and what powers they have in terms of accessibility and control.
and especially
It is frustrating to see these proposals resurface, especially after the Liberal Democrats successfully scrapped similar plans when in government in 2011. The last thing the country needs now is to waste time and money developing an invasive centralised database of everyone’s private information.
What surprises and concerns me however is this sentence:
At a time of overlapping national crises – from the state of our health and care services to the cost of living and the sewage scandal – the Government’s focus should be on solving real problems, not creating new ones through digital ID.
While I agree with that statement, can my MP truly be oblivious to the illegal immigration problem that is assaulting our nation daily, and that he fails to mention? Or is it a matter of party denial of the problem, and he’s simply toeing the line?
But I do wish MPs would speak for themselves, from their own hearts, because I at least vote for the person I meet in the street, not an unaccountable party whip that I consider a support to dictatorship and a threat to democracy, and would prefer to see outlawed.
Back to what reassures me in my MP’s letter though is this…
Please rest assured, if digital ID legislation is brought before Parliament, the Liberal Democrats will continue to champion privacy, transparency, and the freedom to choose how personal data is handled.
…because I’m unclear on Reform’s position on the important matter of digital ID, although I have a worrying recollection that Nigel Farage once spoke in favour of it. Having read their policy document at https://assets.nationbuilder.com/reformuk/pages/253/attachments/original/1718625371/Reform_UK_Our_Contract_with_You.pdf I see no mention of digital ID at all, one way or the other, although they do have a reassuring stance against the other evil pillar of CBDC when they say
Reform UK also opposes the Creation of a Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC). We oppose a cashless society
whilst welcoming donations in cryptocurrency.
Perhaps somebody more familiar with Reform UK’s policy on digital ID can explain their position, and in particular whether they will stand alongside the Liberal Democrats in resisting it?
In conclusion though I am reassured with the response I have received from my Liberal Democrat MP, and I look forward to learning Reform’s position on digital ID soon. We already know Labour’s view, and the Conservative position is arguably irrelevant either way as they are perhaps a spent force.
What do you think of my MP’s response, above? And do you know Reform’s position? Feel free to comment below.
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