MP Patrick Spencer signs cross-party letter opposing digital ID 'surveillance state'

Why it matters: The Independent MP for North Ipswich and Central Suffolk has signed a cross-party letter to the Prime Minister opposing the mandatory digital identity scheme, which will require all workers to have a digital ID by the end of this Parliament.

The details: Spencer joined 10 other MPs, led by Independent MP Rupert Lowe, in writing to Sir Keir Starmer, urging him to abandon the plans. The letter describes the policy as "dangerous, intrusive and deeply un-British" and warns that it "risks building the foundations of a surveillance state – one that will inevitably expand in scope over time."

The government announced on Thursday that digital IDs will be mandatory for anyone wanting to work in the UK, taking the form of an app-based system stored on smartphones. The scheme is designed to prove a person's right to live and work in the UK and will include information on residency status, name, date of birth, nationality and a photograph.

What they're saying: The letter states that "such a policy would represent an unprecedented level of state control over British citizens". It calls it a "fundamental change to the relationship between the individual and the state."

Spencer said: "I've been inundated with emails this morning from constituents who are very concerned about this policy, the false rationale, and inevitable impact on our civil liberties."

He added: "Get a grip of immigration using traditional methods, don't use it as an excuse for more bureaucracy and waste."

The other side: The government says the scheme is designed to curb illegal immigration by making it harder for people without status to find jobs. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said, "You will not be able to work in the United Kingdom if you do not have digital ID. It's as simple as that."

Ministers argue the current system is too easy to abuse, with National Insurance numbers being shared or stolen. Officials stress the digital ID will not function like a traditional identity card, and people will not be required to carry it in public.

The bigger picture: The letter warns that compulsory digital ID would mark a "dangerous and permanent shift in the balance of power between government and governed" and pledges to "oppose it at every stage."

More than a million people have signed a petition against introducing digital ID cards on the UK Parliament website. Civil liberties groups have also raised concerns about privacy, data security and government overreach.

The bottom line: While the government argues digital IDs are necessary to tackle illegal immigration, opposition MPs are raising concerns about potential privacy implications and state overreach. The government says the scheme will be rolled out "by the end of the Parliament" – meaning before the next general election, which by law must be held no later than August 2029. A public consultation is expected to be launched later this year.