Digital ID cards blasted as 'further erosion of our civil liberties'

Experts in finance and business have slammed Sir Keir Starmer's plans for a mandatory UK digital ID scheme as a "further erosion of civil liberties". The Prime Minister is expected to announce the controversial scheme in a speech later today (September 26).

The Government insists its Brit-Card scheme will help crack down on black market working and illegal migration as well as help to modernise the state. Some financial experts and business owners hit out at the idea as "dangerous" and a threat to privacy, while others say the cards could be positive by helping to reduce fraud.

Patricia McGirr, founder of Repossession Rescue Network in Burnley, criticised the Government's move. She said: "Along with the recent death of free speech, this feels like a further erosion of our civil liberties.

"In planning, implementation and management of this behemoth, what will be the cost to the taxpayer when our citizens, pensioners and businesses are already squeezed dry?"

The Government hasn't put a precise figure on the cost of rolling out the scheme because a consultation has yet to determine how it will work for groups including older people, the homeless and those with disabilities.

Ms McGirr asked what "cronies" would get the contract to roll out the digital ID scheme, adding: "This is a step too far. Right out of Orwellian fiction.

Stephen Perkins, Managing Director of Yellow Brick Mortgages in Norwich, said the cards would just be ignored.

He added: "You already need a National Insurance number to work in the UK legally, and there are share codes for employers to check immigration status and right to work."

Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy told the BBC on Friday (September 26) that NI numbers are not linked to photo ID so it isn't possible to make sure the number actually belongs to the person presenting it.

Kate Allen, Owner at Kingsbridge-based Finest Stays, said it was "dangerous".

She added: "What looks like a pragmatic solution on the surface is in reality a dangerous step towards state overreach. As Rachel Reeves rallies HMRC to recoup billions in tax evasion, surveillance is set to soar."

Adam Stiles, Managing Director at Helix Financial Partners in London, called the scheme a "gimmick", adding: "Labour are scratching around for more headline-grabbing nonsense.

"This is more Nanny State and Big Brother reaching in to strangle our liberties, possibly so that Rachel Reeves can at some point tax the cash we find in the sofa.

"This gimmick - and it absolutely is a gimmick - has been floated for years between different governments. If this is more about immigration then perhaps spend the money implementing what will no doubt cost spiral into the billions we don't have on something more meaningful."

Sir Keir has defended the scheme, describing it as an "enormous opportunity" for the UK. He said: "It will make it tougher to work illegally in this country, making our borders more secure.

"And it will also offer ordinary citizens countless benefits, like being able to prove your identity to access key services swiftly - rather than hunting around for an old utility bill."

Samuel Mather-Holgate, Independent Financial Adviser at Swindon-based Mather and Murray Financial, said the move was positive.

He added: "Digital ID cards should have been introduced by Blair in the 90s. We are well behind where we should be in public sector efficiency directly down to this shortcoming. ID cards will fix numerous problems in the sector, and bring efficiency to the public too. This is a win-win for everyone."

Justin Moy, Managing Director at Chelmsford-based EHF Mortgages, also said it could reduce fraud. He said: "If delivered properly, this could be a significant way to reduce fraud, and in particular within financial services, making it much easier to identify and stop the billions lost in banking and mortgage fraud every year.

"No need for certified or photos of passports and driving licences that are open to manipulation."