The Leader of the Welsh Conservatives expressed his strong opposition digital ID in principle and in practice, arguing that it will not stop illegal channel crossings, which are at record highs and will cost taxpayers £20 billion over ten years according to the London School of Economics, with Wales losing out to the tune of £1 billion in consequential funding.

The First Minister confirmed her support for the UK Labour Government’s digital ID scheme in the Senedd chamber today.

Darren Millar MS challenged the First Minister to justify the policy’s cost, given billpayers are struggling to pay council tax, patients are languishing on waiting lists, children are leaving school functionally illiterate and that libraries, leisure centres and public toilets are closing the length and breadth of Wales.

Commenting after the exchange in the Senedd, Leader of the Welsh Conservatives, Darren Millar MS said:

“Labour’s plans for digital IDs will not stop illegal migration and will come at an unacceptable cost to taxpayers.

“Wales would lose out on up to a billion pounds if this policy goes ahead. That’s money that the Government won’t be able to spend on the people’s priorities, like health, education and our transport infrastructure.

“The Welsh Conservatives oppose digital IDs in principle and in practice. The way to tackle illegal migration is by removing every single illegal migrant with our Deportation Bill.”

Watch Darren’s contribution in the Welsh Parliament below: