Civil Liberties at Risk Warns Southport Lib Dems Over Digital ID Scheme

Southport Liberal Democrats have joined party colleagues across the country in opposing Labour’s plan for mandatory digital ID cards warning that the scheme would threaten privacy, deepen digital exclusion and burden local businesses with even more red tape.

Liberal Democrats say the proposals will cost billions, fail to tackle illegal immigration and divert attention and resources away from fixing public services such as the NHS, social care and local infrastructure.

Southport Liberal Democrats have also raised serious concerns about civil liberties and privacy. Handing the Government control over a vast database of personal information is a recipe for misuse and mission creep. Once that data exists there is no guarantee it will not be expanded or repurposed.

The party also criticised the Government for “bringing in digital identity by stealth” through new Companies House rules requiring directors and business owners to undergo digital ID checks which they say is already creating extra paperwork for local businesses.

Cllr Mike Sammon, Cambridge Ward councillor, said:

“Keir Starmer’s plan for mandatory digital ID cards is not the kind of country we want to be. It will not make a dent in illegal immigration, it’s anyone’s guess how much it will cost and the new Companies House rules are already saddling our local businesses with more paperwork when they need stability and support.

With snail-pace economic growth and businesses already being crushed by Rachel Reeves’ jobs tax, the last thing we need is yet more bureaucracy and red tape. People should not have to hand over personal data just to go about their daily lives.”

Cllr Lauren Keith Meols Ward councillor, added:

“These plans risk locking people out of essential services if they do not have smartphones or digital access. Digital ID would hit older residents, disabled people and those on lower incomes the hardest, deepening the digital divide we are already seeing in towns like Southport.

Instead of wasting a fortune on complex technology schemes, the Government should focus on fixing the basics, from supporting local health services to helping families with the cost of living crisis. Southport needs practical solutions not a Government pet project designed in Whitehall.”

Liberal Democrats have pledged to oppose Labour’s digital ID scheme “tooth and nail” just as the party successfully did with Tony Blair’s proposals two decades ago.