Former Labour advisor Scarlett MaccGwire and journalist Cristo Foufas entered a frosty exchange on GB News
Former Labour Advisor Scarlett MaccGwire and journalist Cristo Foufas clashed during an awkward exchange on GB News. The pair disagreed over Digital IDs, as critics warn that personal data will be needed to access services. According to a report by The Telegraph, there are warnings that daily tasks would become “checkpoints” where individuals must hand over personal data to access basic services. The digital IDs have been introduced under Sir Keir Starmer‘s plans for tackling illegal migration, and voluntary IDs could offer a “significant advantage” by simplifying administrative tasks. Not everybody is a fan of the proposals, with one Tory peer expressing their concern over potential state overreach.
On GB News, Scarlett MaccGwire argued that she already has a digital ID for the NHS and carries her phone with her, and said: “I’ve never understood the fuss really! It’s just having everything all in one place.”
Scarlett MaccGwire and Cristo Foufas disagreed over Digital IDs (Image: GB News / X)
One viewer at home said in the comments section: “Each time the latest cyber attack is reported then you can understand the concern many people have over Digital ID and their data being at risk.”
A second also fumed: “Are these people not seeing what’s happening with the massive debilitating cyber strikes companies are getting?? All OUR details in 1 place!”
A third also chimed in: “Immigrants working in the UK already have to carry digital ID and have to apply for a code to give to employers to prove they can legally work in the UK, so why would forcing digital ID on the rest of the UK population stop illegal working if digital ID isn’t doing it now?”
Last month, the Labour government announced plans to roll out digital IDs by the end of the Parliament, but digital ID would only be mandatory for those who are looking to work in the UK, not for “everyone.”
In a press statement, the Government said that it “will be mandatory for Right to Work checks by the end of the Parliament”.
However, there has been strong criticism from political opponents, and advocates for over-65s have warned it could potentially marginalise the elderly who do not use the internet.
