Government proposal to introduce identity cards has hit duff note with MP Melanie Onn

                                              

Melanie Onn - seeking reassurance

THE MP for Grimsby and Cleethorpes, Melanie Onn, has sounded words of caution on the Government's proposal to introduce identity cards.  

She told an end-of-year Commons debate: "There is a great deal of angst and concern around the proposal, and it is imperative that the concern is addressed.

"While I welcome initiatives to stop illegal working and workforce exploitation, I share some of those legitimate concerns, particularly around the cost of roll-out, the necessity of the legislation, and data security. 

"Trust is very fragile when it comes to digital systems.

"There needs to be certainty that any digital ID would come with the strongest safeguards, transparent oversight and guarantees that data cannot be misused or accessed without consent.

The MP continued: "However, I recognise that we are living in a digital age in which we all give up our personal data to corporations, both domestic and international, with barely a second thought, and without knowing what those who sit behind the corporations will do with our data or likeness."

The MP also sought  "reassurance" that any scheme would present value for money? 

She concluded: "The total cost of rolling out a national system would be significant.

"It is right that we understand how this compares with strengthening the forms of identification that we already have because they are plentiful."