A heated council row over digital ID cards has triggered fierce opposition from Swindon residents.

During a recent council meeting, Labour councillors outvoted Conservative and Green members, overturning a motion to oppose the Government’s potential plan to introduce mandatory digital identity cards.

The idea would see all citizens and those who have the right to live and work here issued a digital identity card, which could be needed to access jobs, services, and state benefits.

On social media, however, Swindon residents voiced near-total disagreement with the idea.

Many drew comparisons to intrusive surveillance and questioned the necessity for such a scheme.

Claire Rebecca Pearson said: "How about a little number tattoo for all residents, barcode maybe, brain chip?"

Steven Baker said: "You can put your digital ID where the sun doesn’t shine!" and Nigel Robert Simpson said: "They can go forth and multiply".

The language may be colourful, but it speaks to a powerful distrust. Concerns ranged from state overreach to personal privacy and data security. Karen Weaver said: "No need to row over it, it’s a definite 'NO!'"

People cited the recent history of data leaks and the vulnerability of personal information held online.

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