Refusing the ‘BritCard’: Could It Trigger Unforeseen Consequences?
So, the UK is gearing up to slap everyone with the ‘BritCard’—a digital ID scheme that’s about as popular as a soggy crumpet at a fancy tea party. While Sir Keir Starmer seems dead set on rolling this out by 2029 to tackle illegal migration (and probably to finally figure out who’s really rattling the biscuit tin), a whopping two and a half million people have already signed a petition screaming, “No thanks!” They fear it’s a slippery slope to Big Brother watching your every snack break. The government insists it won’t be a criminal offence to skip the card, but—here’s the kicker—if you want to work, good luck without it. So, are we all about to become smartphone-carrying, digital-ID-wielding employees, or is this just another bureaucratic circus act? Buckle up, it’s gonna be a bumpy ride. LEARN MORE
As support for the ‘BritCard’ collapses, the government has responded to a petition against its proposal.
And while it seems Sir Keir Starmer is adamant on introducing the digital ID scheme in the UK, there are questions over what will happen if you simply refuse to get one.
The Prime Minister announced last Friday (26 September) that the new system would be introduced in 2029, and would be mandatory for those working in the UK as part of a bid to tackle illegal migration.
The national digital ID card system is expected to be subject to consultation and may require legislation.
But over two-and-a-half million people have already signed a petition opposing the government’s plans, calling them ‘a step towards mass surveillance and digital control’, meaning it will go to a debate.
Over 2 million have signed a petition against the ‘BritCard’ proposal (Andy Barton/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)
The government’s response to the petition opposing digital ID cards
The government issued a response to this yesterday, stating: “We will introduce a digital ID within this Parliament to help tackle illegal migration, make accessing government services easier, and enable wider efficiencies. We will consult on details soon.”
It adds that it is ‘committed to making people’s everyday lives easier and more secure’ .
The system won’t replace the physical photo cards many people use as their ID, but it may be compulsory to have in certain scenarios.
So, Brits can choose to refuse to download the app as the scheme is described as voluntary.
What would happen if Brits refused to get a digital ID card?
While that issue has not been fully discussed, it’s clear that anyone in the UK wishing to work would need to have it, so you’d likely be facing employment issues if you refuse to use the digital ID scheme.
It would serve as the mandatory method for employees verifying their Right to Work. So basically, not using it doesn’t seem to come with any legal consequences, but could just leave people unable to get a job.
A mock-up of the system (Tony Blair Institute)
‘It will not be a criminal offence to not hold a digital ID’
In its response to the petition, the government added: “Over time, people will be able to use it to seamlessly access a range of public and private sector services, with the aim of making our everyday lives easier and more secure.
“It will not be compulsory to obtain a digital ID but it will be mandatory for some applications.”
It also says: “For clarity, it will not be a criminal offence to not hold a digital ID and police will not be able to demand to see a digital ID as part of a ‘stop and search’.”
The government says the new system will be ‘designed in accordance with the highest security standards to protect against a comprehensive range of threats’.
What are the chances of fines being introduced?
While the prospect of fines hasn’t been addressed, if Tony Blair’s ID card scheme in 2006 is anything to go by, then it may be a possibility in the future.
Blair’s Labour government passed legislation for a national ID card scheme, and it went into effect in 2009 – but was scrapped just one year later.
However, the Daily Mail reports that while Labour’s previous scheme did not include fines for failing to register, penalties of up to £1,000 were introduced for failing to update information held on you, such as home addresses or any change of name.
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