David Blunkett and BBW's Rebecca Vincent debate ID cards
14/07/2025 | Prospect
An article by Prospect magazine examined the issues surrounding digital identity cards in the UK, featuring insights from former Labour Home Secretary David Blunkett and Rebecca Vincent, interim director of the digital rights group, Big Brother Watch.
David Blunkett argued that possessing a verifiable identity is vital, especially in an era of widespread digital interaction and the need to enforce employment rights. While acknowledging past "surveillance state" concerns, he suggested that in today's world, where smartphone use and daily identity verification needs are ubiquitous, a democratic society should embrace digital IDs.
Conversely, Rebecca Vincent stressed that while the debate is not solely about immigration, but rather the government's desire for access to and control over all of what is essentially "our data". Vincent argues that it raises significant concerns about potential state surveillance and intrusion into civil liberties.
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