Over 4,500 constituents in the Chippenham area have added their names to a public e-petition calling on the Government to scrap plans for a mandatory Digital ID scheme.
The petition covers the Chippenham constituency, which includes Chippenham, Calne, Corsham, Lyneham and Royal Wootton Bassett.
During a packed House of Commons debate on Monday 8th December, Sarah Gibson MP raised concerns about the scheme’s impact on vulnerable residents who are already struggling with digital exclusion from essential services.
Speaking after the debate, Ms Gibson said: “Digital exclusion is real in rural Wiltshire. The fear is that imposing a mandatory digital ID system will shut out some of my most vulnerable constituents from critical services. The scheme could be a disaster for those already struggling to use a thousand and one apps just to book a GP appointment.
“Instead of wasting taxpayers’ money on this mandatory Digital ID scheme amidst a cost-of-living crisis, the Government should instead redirect the money into making sure that my constituency has at least one NHS dentist in it.”
During the debate, Ms Gibson highlighted the scale of support for the petition in her constituency, telling colleagues: “My constituency is in rural Wiltshire, where a huge number of residents have taken part in this petition. Does the hon. Member agree that digital exclusion is a reality in areas like mine?”
The petition and details of support by constituency are available online, alongside a full transcript of Ms Gibson’s contribution to the House of Commons debate.
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