Overview
- MPs held a Westminster Hall debate after a nearly three‑million‑signature petition, with lawmakers from multiple parties voicing skepticism about the policy’s scope and effectiveness.
- Cabinet Office minister Josh Simons dismissed “myths” and “outright lies,” insisting there will be no central master database, promising strict legal firewalls and saying users would control what is shared.
- Campaign group Big Brother Watch protested outside Parliament, warning the proposal threatens privacy, could expand state surveillance and would be a target for hackers.
- A member of the public was removed from the gallery after shouting that people would not comply, underscoring heightened public tensions around the proposal.
- The plan remains under development with a stated 2029 target and draft data fields of name, date of birth, nationality or residency status and a biometric photo, while the Prime Minister argues it will deter illegal working and streamline access to services; a veterans digital ID is optional.