Lib Dems weigh shift on ID cards as conference signals openness to debate

The Liberal Democrats are weighing a shift on ID cards as members at a Bournemouth conference signaled openness to a debate on digital identity, with party leader Sir Ed Davey saying times have changed and the issue deserves renewed consideration. He cited Estonia's digital ID as a contrast to the scheme proposed by Tony Blair, arguing that a UK system that gives individuals access to public services could increase freedom and rights while warning against an authoritarian model. The Lib Dems blocked Labour's first attempt to push ID cards during the 2010-2015 coalition government.

Asked for a show of hands, about two-thirds of the members in the Bournemouth hall backed a debate on changing the party's policy on ID cards. Lib Dem home affairs spokeswoman Lisa Smart warned that a formal vote on a policy change was unlikely before the government brings in legislation and that the issue might not be debated this week. Earlier this month, Sir Keir Starmer told the BBC the measure could help tackle illegal immigration.

On Sunday morning, Smart chaired a packed fringe meeting to test the mood on the issue. The majority argued against digital ID, citing civil liberties and data security concerns. Veteran MP Alistair Carmichael warned that if the party aligns with Labour on this, it would signal trust in the government — and, in his view, that would mark the day the party stops being liberal. 'It seems to me if we are going to go along with the Labour Party on this then we are saying we are quite happy to trust the government on this,' he said, adding that changing course at this stage would be 'ocean-going nonsense.' Bridget Fox, from Islington in North London and a veteran of the No2ID campaign, said: 'I shouldn't have to prove who I am, going about my own business in the place where I live.' She warned about the impact on 'digitally excluded' people, such as the elderly and disabled, and about digital ID being used to intimidate vulnerable and marginalised groups. 'I can only too easily see some vigilante patriots stopping people and demanding to see their ID and saying,