Introduction of a mandatory 'Brit card' branded 'ludicrous' by Sinn Féin Derry MLA
Sinn Féin Foyle MLA Pádraig Delargy has called on the British government to scrap its proposed mandatory ‘Brit Card’ scheme, branding the project ‘ludicrous’.
The new digital ID scheme was announced recently by the Labour government who have claimed that it will “help combat illegal working while making it easier for the vast majority of people to use vital government services”.
The British government said Digital ID will become mandatory for Right to Work checks by the end of the Parliament.
The government said the scheme will be available to all UK citizens and legal residents, ending identity checks which rely on copies of paper records, and the new ID will be used for everything from apply for services like driving licences, childcare and welfare benefits, while ‘streamlining access to tax records’.
The British government said the new digital ID will be held on people’s phones, ‘just as millions already use the NHS App or contactless mobile payments’.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer said: “I know working people are worried about the level of illegal migration into this country. A secure border and controlled migration are reasonable demands, and this government is listening and delivering.
"Digital ID is an enormous opportunity for the UK. It will make it tougher to work illegally in this country, making our borders more secure. And it will also offer ordinary citizens countless benefits, like being able to prove your identity to access key services swiftly - rather than hunting around for an old utility bill.”
Public consultation on the plans is to be launched later this year.
Sinn Féin MLA Pádraig Delargy however said the British government should scrap the ‘Brit Card’ scheme.
The Foyle MLA said if the scheme is introduced in Britain, then an exemption should be granted for citizens in the north.
“The British Prime Minister’s attempt to impose a mandatory British ID card is misguided and ill thought out,” said Mr Delargy .
“This ludicrous policy was drafted with no consideration for the rights of Irish citizens or the political realities in the north.
“If the British government proceeds with the Brit Card, an exemption must be granted for citizens of the north.
“Sinn Féin will oppose any attempt to trample on the rights of our communities and undermine the Good Friday Agreement.”