James Wild MP has published the results of his survey seeking constituents’ views on the government’s proposed Digital ID plans, revealing strong opposition across North West Norfolk and widespread concern about privacy, security, and government overreach.
The findings demonstrate clear resistance, with 76% of respondents from across the political spectrum opposing the proposals.
James launched the survey in response to growing public debate over the government’s plans to introduce mandatory digital IDs by 2029 to verify the right to work, with the possibility of extending the system to other public services. The proposed smartphone-based IDs would store personal details such as name, date of birth, and residency status. Although ministers have said police would not be able to demand to see the IDs and that non-digital options would remain available, James’ findings highlight deep local concern about privacy, cost, and practicality.
Many constituents told James they were worried about potential government overreach and surveillance. One respondent warned: “Whatever this government claims to the contrary, digital ID creates the machinery for mass surveillance.” Another said: “There is no need for any government to access the private movements, transactions or locations of any legal citizens of the UK.”
Participants also questioned whether official assurances could be trusted in the long term. Many argued that any digital ID system should be voluntary rather than mandatory, describing the proposals as “totally intrusive.”
Privacy and data security emerged as major themes in the responses James received. Several constituents doubted the government’s ability to protect personal information, citing recent cyber incidents as examples. One commented: “I am becoming increasingly alarmed at cyber attacks - recently my car manufacturer advised a supplier was hacked. Imagine if it had involved bank details?” Others questioned the need for digital IDs at all, noting that existing forms of identification, such as driving licences, passports, and National Insurance numbers, already fulfil similar functions.
Finally, concerns about cost and practicality were particularly strong among older residents. As one participant noted: “The idea of being smartphone-based - not all older people have these or, if they do, can only use them for calls.” Others argued that, given current economic pressures, this scheme would not represent the best use of public funds.
Even among those not outright opposed, a further 10% expressed serious reservations about the plans, reflecting the depth of apprehension among respondents.
Commenting on his survey results, James Wild MP said:
“The message from North West Norfolk could not be clearer - constituents do not want mandatory digital ID cards and have serious, well-founded concerns about privacy, security, cost, and the risk of government overreach.
“These results underline the strength of feeling locally about protecting our freedoms and traditions. People rightly question whether this scheme will achieve what the government claims, and whether it represents value for money at a time when the country faces significant economic challenges.
“I will ensure these views are properly represented in Parliament and will continue to scrutinise the government's proposals closely, holding ministers to account on behalf of my constituents.”
In total, over 150 constituents from across North West Norfolk responded to the survey, providing detailed feedback that will inform James’s contributions to parliamentary debates and guide his voting decisions when the legislation comes before Parliament.