When the news was first announced by the Prime Minister that this would be a policy brought forward by the government, I had just finished my week-long villages tour where I was able to speak face to face with countless people across the constituency, before going onwards to the UK Labour Conference in Liverpool. So, I hope you accept my apologies for the delayed response.

I remember well Tony Blair during his time as Prime Minister bringing forward the idea of ID Cards. There were people really against and those in favour. I was in neither camp. I remember thinking the whole thing was unnecessary; on the grounds that everything I carried around with me in my wallet would give anyone all the information an ID Card could contain.

With how much things have changed since then, with smartphones, through all the online apps and our social media accounts, I would say that – a quarter of a century on – this is now even more pronounced.

A fundamental question here is thus, is it necessary to introduce Digital ID? – this is something I will be considering over the coming weeks.

One of the proposed reasons by the government for this policy is to crack down on the ‘shadow economy’, and to prevent the reliance on employers using National Insurance Numbers, which can be recycled and used to employ those working illegally. This is something that on paper sounds good, but during the consultation, the government must provide us with strong evidence on how exactly this would work. Especially given those employing people to work illegally is most often done off the books and would likely remain this way thus circumventing Digital ID.

It is important to acknowledge that another purpose of Digital ID being introduced is to deter people from illegally making dangerous journeys to get here, such as crossing the Channel on small boats. Now I do struggle to see the merit here. As anyone fleeing horrific circumstances such as war, famine, or persecution is unlikely to let Digital ID be a hindrance, especially when they risk life or death with such dangerous journeys.

I am also keen to see the proposed cost of introducing this scheme and how exactly contracts to operate it will be procured. With a cost-of-living crisis on our hands and with increasing numbers of children falling into poverty, we cannot be wasting money that could be better spent elsewhere. The government is yet to reveal the estimated costs of the project.

After the chaos of the Covid contracts issued by the Tory government, we must ensure that, especially with our private data, things are well above board and anyone holding this data ensures maximum security. We must also ensure that any private companies involved are British based and owned. It would be a huge breach to let foreign companies have access to such sensitive data.

I want you to know that on the 13th of October I co-signed a private letter with Labour colleagues in the House. Here we raised the concerns of disabled people, the elderly, and those living in digital poverty (among which there are many across the constituency) who could be among the groups likely to be disproportionately affected by these new requirements. Whilst the scheme has been presented as increasing access to public services, it could in fact add another barrier to entry, making it harder for those who cannot, or do not wish to, use Digital ID to go about their daily lives.

I recognise privacy campaigners who have highlighted that Digital ID systems “can enable population wide surveillance” and “facilitate the tracking, persecution, or differential treatment of marginalised groups”. I am conscious of the fact the government already can do such things if they choose to and is currently using the mass surveillance powers enacted through the previous Conservative Governments Investigatory Powers Act.

I also recognise the online petition and the 2.8 million signatures that have already signed. It is clear there is very strong public opposition to this, and I want to make sure every constituent’s voice is heard. I also want to make sure the government respects the petition and ensures a robust debate takes place in the House of Commons – of which I am sure it will.

Regarding my exact position on this issue. While there exist many, many questions, I must be honest with you – I am currently waiting for more information before I make my decision.

I have long been committed to the importance of the right to privacy, including digital privacy.

However, on Digital IDs I can see some benefits to these proposals, but I also see the many flaws as I have raised above.

I wholly appreciate everyone’s very genuine concerns on government overreach. I likewise share these concerns, and this will be at the forefront of any decision I make. But I want to see the full proposal from the government before I decide on my position.

I will happily update everyone as soon as possible and please in the meantime, continue to send your emails raising your concerns.

I want you to know I will make sure to respond to every email on this issue.