‘Mandatory digital IDs need to be scrapped’, says Lewes MP after thousands in district sign petition against scheme
The MP for Lewes has called for mandatory digital IDs to be scrapped after thousands of people in the district signed a petition against them.
Liberal Democrat James MacCleary said the Government is ‘turning a blind eye’ to what people want by trying to roll out the controversial scheme.
A recent release from the MP’s office said data showed that more than 4,900 people had signed a public e-petition in the Lewes constituency before Christmas.
Mr MacCleary said: “The fact that so many in the Lewes constituency have signed this petition shows how people in my constituency have overwhelming and legitimate concerns about mandatory digital IDs, yet the Government is turning a blind eye to them.
“We cannot live in a country where sharing your identity with the Government is a prerequisite for getting a job or accessing public services. It is also incredibly concerning that the 8.5 million people who lack fundamental digital skills, including the elderly and disabled, could be excluded from society.
“Ministers need to listen to my constituents. Mandatory digital IDs need to be scrapped.”
The petition is named ‘Do not introduce digital ID cards’ and can be found at petition.parliament.uk/petitions/730194. It received almost three million signatures and was debated in parliament on December 8, 2025.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer announced the digital ID scheme on September 26, 2025, saying it would be mandatory for proving the right to work in the UK.
The plan has received a lot of criticism since it was announced. The petition against it said: “We think this would be a step towards mass surveillance and digital control, and that no one should be forced to register with a state-controlled ID system. We oppose the creation of any national ID system. ID cards were scrapped in 2010, in our view for good reason.”
But a Government explainer about the plan said: “A new digital ID scheme will make it easier for people across the UK to use vital government services. The roll-out will in time make it easier to apply for government and private sector services, such as helping renters to quickly prove their identity to landlords, improving access to welfare and other benefits, and making it easier for parents to apply for free childcare.
“It will also be required for right to work checks to stop those with no right to be in the country from finding work. This is to send a clear message that if you come here illegally, you will not be able to work, deterring people from making dangerous journeys.”
The Government said digital ID will be mandatory for Right to Work checks by the end of the Parliament, which should be August 2029 at the latest. The explainer said the data that will be held includes: name, date of birth, information on nationality or residency status and a photo ‘as the basis for biometric security – just like an eVisa or Passport, but updated for the modern digital world we live in’.