Carmichael welcomes scrapping of digital ID scheme

Orkney and Shetland MP, Alistair Carmichael, has welcomed news this week that incoming Prime Minister Andy Burnham has scrapped government plans to introduce a digital ID scheme, and will use the funds saved to propose a cut on VAT on energy bills.

Mr Carmichael said:

“The scrapping of digital ID outright is encouraging news – and a victory for all of us who opposed these authoritarian and unnecessary proposals.

“It suggests that Andy Burnham may actually focus on issues that matter to people in the here and now, rather than wasting time and money on projects that the public never asked for.

“We all know, however, that Labour have a habit of returning to ID card policies so there is every likelihood that these proposals will re-emerge once more in the future – if so, we shall be ready to fight them once again.”