Preseli Pembrokeshire Senedd Member Paul Davies has confirmed his opposition to the UK Government’s plans for a digital ID scheme.
The Prime Minister has recently confirmed plans to roll out free digital ID for those living in the UK, as a way of curbing the prospect of work for illegal immigrants, which he believes is a significant factor driving small boat crossings.
The subject was also raised at the Senedd this week by the Leader of the Welsh Conservatives. The First Minister confirmed her support for the digital ID scheme, saying that she’d like the scheme to be bilingual and with the Welsh flag a part of it.
Mr Davies said, “I fundamentally oppose the rollout of digital IDs – it’s the role of government to empower individuals, not implement ways to further state control.”
“In my view, the plans will do nothing to deter illegal immigrants coming into the UK and just serves as a smokescreen for taking real action on immigration.”
“The scheme is also thought to cost around £20 billion pounds over ten years – money which I believe should be spent on our public services and invested in our communities.”
