Government throwing good money after bad on digital ID scheme – Carmichael

Orkney and Shetland MP, Alistair Carmichael, has today challenged the government to explain the cost of its digital ID card scheme, during an update from ministers in Parliament. Speaking during the statement, Mr Carmichael noted that the government still did not know what the future cost of the scheme would be.

Ministers ditched plans, announced in September, to make digital ID compulsory for everyone starting a new job after a backlash from the public. Ministers have announced a “people's panel”, bringing together 100 individuals from across the country with different backgrounds to advise on the revised scheme.

Criticism of the scheme led to a three-million-strong petition against the plans, citing concerns about security risks and a creeping "Big Brother" state intruding into people's lives.

Speaking in the House, Mr Carmichael said:

“I commend the Minister for admitting that he does not know how much this is going to cost, but it is almost six months since this became Government policy, and now he has decided that it is time to consult the public. Can he tell the House how much it has cost us so far?”

Responding for the government, the Chief Secretary to the Prime Minister, Darren Jones MP said:

“Any costs incurred so far have been purely for civil servants to pull together the consultation and for the Department to hold discussions and roundtables with stakeholders. Government will need spending authority from Parliament to start this scheme being built, and that will be part of the Bill that will come to the House later this year.”

Reacting after the exchange, Mr Carmichael said:

“The government is pouring good money after bad in pursuing this digital ID scheme. No one asked for it and in poll after poll now the public have made it clear that they indifferent at best and in many cases utterly opposed.

“We are not exactly short of other things that these funds could be spent on – doubly so with more conflict in the world. The government should focus on more important matters – and scrap this authoritarian scheme for good.”