Moray West, Nairn and Strathspey MP Graham Leadbitter has spoken out in Parliament against Labour’s proposed digital ID scheme, calling it “an undemocratic and unfunded dystopian fantasy.”
Leadbitter made the comments during a debate secured by the SNP in response to growing public concern over the so-called “Brit Card” plan.
Over 4,500 people from his constituency signed a petition opposing the policy.
The scheme, which critics warn could cost billions to introduce and maintain, has not yet been costed by the UK Government, according to a written parliamentary answer tabled by Leadbitter.
The Labour Party’s 2024 manifesto made no mention of a digital ID scheme, yet the plan is reportedly being prepared for rollout without public consultation.
Leadbitter warned the move risked undermining civil liberties and said it reflected poorly on Labour’s first year in government.
“Keir Starmer’s ‘Brit Card’ scheme is an undemocratic and unfunded dystopian fantasy that should be consigned to the dustbin of history,” he said.
“It speaks volumes that one of the biggest backers of it is Tony Blair, who tried and failed to ram these plans through Parliament in the 2000s.”
“Labour haven’t learned their lesson and their failure to recognise the strength of opinion against their mandatory ID plans is typical of their disastrous year in power.”
“This isn’t just a pathetic attempt from the government to distract from their failings, it speaks to their desire to erode civil liberties and attack our national identity.”
Leadbitter said the SNP would continue to lead the opposition at Westminster.
“The SNP has led the fight against this scheme, and securing a debate yesterday was just the start of our plan to do everything in our power to prevent mandatory digital ID from becoming a reality.”
“And if this, by some disaster, goes through Parliament the SNP Scottish Government will use its power to block it.”
The UK Government has not confirmed when or how the scheme would be introduced, and pressure continues to mount on Labour to drop the proposal.
