North Wales Labour MPs silent on digital ID ‘BritCard’ plans
North Wales’ six Labour MPs have remained silent on government proposals to introduce mandatory digital identity “cards”.
The Local Democracy Reporting Service contacted the MPs for their views on the potential introduction of “BritCards” — a proposal that has sparked national debate on the extent of government control and the potential threat to privacy, security, and government oversight.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer argues the digital IDs will make “accessing government services easier” whilst helping to control illegal immigration.
The app-based system would be mandatory for those wanting to work and will include residents’ name, date of birth, nationality, and a photo.
The IDs could also be used for verification purposes, such as opening a bank account, and, if Labour get their way, will be introduced by 2029.
But nearly three million (2.85m) people have already signed a petition against the plans described by civil liberty campaigners as an “Orwellian” measure of control.
The Local Democracy Reporting Service asked the six Labour MPs – Claire Hughes (Bangor Aberconwy), Becky Gittins (Clwyd East), Mark Tami (Alyn and Deeside), Gill German (Clwyd North), Steve Witherden (Montgomeryshire and Glyndŵr), and Andrew Ranger (Wrexham) – for their opinion on Labour’s plans.
None of the MPs responded to requests for a comment.
Both Plaid Cymru’s MPs said they opposed the introduction of digital ID cards.
Plaid Cymru MP for Dwyfor Meirionnydd Liz Saville Roberts commented: ”Plaid Cymru will not support any digital ID system that risks shutting people out of services or eroding civil liberties. Wales still has thousands of people who are digitally excluded, and no one should ever be locked out of vital services simply because they don’t have a smartphone or internet access.
“IDs could reduce some of the paperwork people face to access everyday services, but we are not convinced the UK Government’s plans are really about making things easier. We are concerned about data security, and we will oppose any system that risks making monetising sensitive personal data for private companies or making it more vulnerable to cyberattacks.
“That’s why we need a proper public debate about whether digital IDs are truly in the public interest. Sadly, the fact this was announced as a dead-cat strategy while Parliament is in recess suggests the UK Government has no real interest in an open or democratic debate.”
“And let’s get one thing clear: a majority of people in Wales identify as Welsh only. Describing this as a ‘BritCard’ is the surest way to get a policy off to a bad start here.”
Plaid Cymru MP for Ynys Môn Llinos Medi said: “At a time when people are struggling with the cost of living and facing soaring bills, it’s extraordinary that this Labour UK Government’s priority is a Digital ID scheme.
“We all recognise that the world is becoming more digital, but people are right to feel uneasy about all their interactions with the state being dependent on online systems. Cybersecurity is a real concern, and the Government has done little to reassure people about data protection.
“There is an argument in favour of streamlining how people access government services, but forcing everything to happen through an app could lock some people – particularly people in rural areas, older and disabled people – out of vital support simply because they don’t own a smartphone or have internet access.”
She added: “I, along with my fellow Plaid Cymru MPs, will oppose these plans.”
Welsh Labour was also contacted for comment.
By Richard Evans – Local Democracy Reporter
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