Labour's Proposal for Mandatory Digital ID: Community Responses and My Letter to MP Nick Smith

Why I Oppose the “Brit Card” Digital ID — And What Our Community Said

As your Independent Councillor for Ebbw Vale South, I recently asked residents for their views on the Government’s proposed mandatory digital identity card scheme — the so‑called “Brit Card.” I wanted to ensure any stance I take reflects local opinion, so I ran an open Facebook poll for tenants and residents in the ward. The result was unequivocal: every single respondent opposed the introduction of a mandatory digital ID. On the back of this, I have written to our MP, Nick Smith, to make clear the strength and clarity of local feeling. You can read my letter in full in the attachment.

Background: What is being proposed and why it matters

The Government has floated the idea of a centralised digital identity system that citizens would be required to use to access services and verify identity. Supporters argue it could reduce fraud and streamline administration. However, there are serious concerns that a compulsory digital ID shifts the relationship between citizen and state, concentrates sensitive personal data, and risks creating a “show your papers” culture. Importantly, the UK has looked at versions of this before — national ID schemes have repeatedly been abandoned due to public opposition, cost, and civil liberties issues.

What residents told me

In our ward, the concerns were consistent and deeply felt:

• Civil liberties: Fears that a centralised ID would expand surveillance and erode long‑standing freedoms.

• Social exclusion: Risks to the elderly, digitally excluded, and those on low incomes who could be locked out of work and services.

• Public trust and cost: A belief that similar schemes have failed before because they were intrusive, expensive, and unnecessary, and nothing material has changed to fix those problems.

What I’ve done and what happens next

In light of the unanimous opposition expressed in the poll, I have formally written to Nick Smith MP to ask him to oppose the “Brit Card” proposal in Parliament and to make clear that Blaenau Gwent does not consent to a mandatory digital ID. I will continue to raise these concerns on your behalf and keep you updated as this issue develops.

If you haven’t yet shared your view, please get in touch. Our community’s voice is strongest when everyone is heard. See the attached letter for the full details of what I’ve put to our MP.