PETITIONRejectedPetition · petition.parliament.uk
Hold a referendum before introducing any UK-wide mandatory digital ID scheme
We call on the Government to guarantee that no system of mandatory national digital identification (sometimes referred to as “digital ID” or “BritCard”) is introduced without the explicit consent of the British people through a national referendum.
Last fetched 03 May 2026 · petition.parliament.uk
Signatures
21
signatures
Government response threshold (10,000) · 21/10,000
Debate threshold (100,000) · 21/100,000
Background
Introducing a compulsory digital ID would represent one of the most significant changes to the relationship between the individual and the state in modern times. It would affect personal privacy, civil liberties, and access to essential services such as housing, employment, healthcare, and banking.
Before implementing such a scheme, the public must have the right to a direct democratic say. A referendum would ensure transparency, trust, and legitimacy on an issue that could permanently change how every UK adult interacts with government, employers, and service providers.