Tuesday December 2nd 2025
Photo by the UK Parliament
Written by Local Democracy Reporter, Paul Kelly
A motion opposing UK Government moves towards the introduction of a digital ID system will be presented to Scottish Borders Council this week.
Keir Starmer’s government plan to introduce the system to simplify access to government services and verify identity.
While the core digital ID will be voluntary for general use, it will be mandatory for verifying a person’s right to work in the UK by the end of this parliament.
The system aims to be an app-based, secure way for citizens to prove their identity digitally without physical documents.
But it’s a move too far for East Berwickshire Independent councillor James Anderson, who is putting a motion to full council on Thursday, December 4.
The motion calls on the council to acknowledge that “any move toward a mandatory digital ID system raises significant concerns from some members of the general public about privacy, equality of access, and democratic oversight”.
It requests that the leader of Scottish Borders Council write to the UK Government expressing this council’s opposition to any move toward mandatory digital identification without proper and full public consultation.
The motion further asks that the letter urges the UK Government to pause and consult widely on the potential impacts of digital ID systems, particularly in relation to rural, elderly, and low-income communities.
Mr Anderson’s motion says the council should support the use of technology “but only where it empowers residents and improves access to services”.
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