NEWTON Abbot MP Martin Wrigley is demanding answers from the Government following plans to introduce digital ID cards.

He says the scheme is ‘flawed from the outside’ and there are many ‘unanswered questions’ over the scheme.

He said: ‘It clearly won’t do what the Government is suggesting.

‘Illegal employers won’t ask to see a digital ID in the same way they ignore current methods for checking a candidate’s right to work in the UK.

‘This scheme will not only cost a huge amount of taxpayer’s money but it risks disenfranchising a large number of people.’

Many areas of the South West are still struggling with digital inclusion, he says.

The elderly, disabled, and those on low incomes are most likely to be adversely affected by this policy.

The Government published a Digital Inclusion Action Plan in February 2025 and Martin will be asking what progress has been made.

He is equally concerned the cards will also be required as a ‘right to rent’ which, he says, which will place additional burdens on the most vulnerable in society, and risks deepening inequality.

Mr Wrigley also said: ‘I have deep unease about the growing relationships the Government and other political parties are cultivating with the large tech companies, we need transparency and assurances our data will not be sold or used in any way other than for the proscribed purposes.’

And he is concerned the Government is preparing to spend billions on this project at a time when so many other public services are struggling.

Martin added: ‘I find it deeply upsetting that during a time where people are struggling to heat their homes, put food on their tables and access the healthcare they need, the Government are preparing to spend billions on what can only be described as a ‘vanity project’ intended to appease voters who are increasingly looking to other parties.

'The Government should be focusing on making life better for people across the country, not creating more divisions.’