Mrs Lockhart said that despite growing discussion around a so-called “voluntary” system, her position remains unchanged and she will continue opposing Digital ID in Parliament.

Speaking on the issue, she said:

“My position remains the same. I will continue to oppose Digital ID in Parliament and stand up for privacy, freedom and choice.

I have raised concerns previously and I continue to believe many people are right to be deeply cautious about the direction of travel. We are repeatedly being told that any future system would be voluntary, but voluntary does not cut it.

Time and time again we see schemes introduced on one basis only for pressure to build over time, until participation becomes expected or effectively unavoidable. What begins as optional can quickly become the norm, and those who choose not to participate can find themselves pushed to the margins.

People are rightly asking difficult questions. How will personal information be protected? Who controls the data? Who gets access to it? How can people be assured that systems introduced today do not become something entirely different tomorrow?

Privacy, freedom and personal choice matter. People should not feel they are being nudged or funnelled into systems that create concerns around surveillance, data use or individual liberties.

Government should be focused on tackling the real issues affecting people’s daily lives: the cost of living, pressure on public services, illegal immigration and support for families and businesses. Instead, many people feel Ministers are prioritising projects that simply do not reflect the concerns being raised on doorsteps across the country.

I will continue to stand up for those concerns and continue making the case for protecting freedom, privacy and individual choice.”

Mrs Lockhart said the strength of public reaction to the issue demonstrates that many people share these concerns and want assurances that fundamental rights will not be eroded.