'They are trying to control us!' Martin Daubney rips into GB News guest for supporting Digital ID

"People don’t buy it," Martin fumed. "This Government can’t be trusted. Sir Keir Starmer was one of the biggest cheerleaders for lockdowns and Covid passports."

The row comes as Darren Jones, the Chief Secretary to the Prime Minister, told Cabinet that the scheme would make people’s experience of Government services "fundamentally much better".

Originally pitched as a measure to crack down on illegal immigration, Digital ID is now expected to act as a gateway to a wide range of public services.

Speaking on The People's Channel, Martin said: "If people wanted to streamline their lives, great. But it won’t be voluntary, it’ll be mandatory.

"I’ll put it to you, this Government cannot be trusted when it comes to its authoritarian streak.

"Sir Keir Starmer was one of the biggest cheerleaders for lockdowns and Covid passports. For the authoritarian Left to get a grip on our lives. It's something Tony Blair wanted for decades.

"Now it seems the new Labour Party has fallen in love with Old Labour’s love child. I put it to you: this is total control wrapped in the sheep’s clothing of 'making life easier.' People don’t buy it."

Mr Shaw said: "I don’t think it’s total control, I’m afraid I disagree with you. I don’t think they’re interested in controlling people’s lives."

Martin interrupted: "But it’s going to be mandatory. I’m sorry, but it’s going to be mandatory."

Mr Shaw said: "At the moment, there are certain things in our country that are mandatory, right? You have to pay your taxes.

"If you want to drive a car, you have to pass your test, get an MOT, have insurance. There are things we have to do in a well-ordered society.

Martin fumed: "That’s not the same thing. It’s not the same as having to pass a driving test.

"What Labour is saying is that it’ll be mandatory to have a card to work and I put it to you, it could be mandatory to show your card to get into a pub or a church in future if there’s another lockdown.

"The precedent has been set and it was set by Keir Starmer.

Mr Shaw said: "I’m sorry, Martin, but I think you’re exaggerating here. I really do.

"This feels like a bit of scaremongering on your part. I don’t believe they’re creating some kind of authoritarian state."

"What they’re trying to do is get an ID system that fits the 21st century and the way we all live our lives including you. I’m sure you bank online and shop on your phone. We all do.

"So it makes sense for Government to modernise too. It will take time for people to get on board, but it’ll also help tackle illegal working by ensuring that foreign nationals have to present a digital ID when they get a job.

"That said, if the costs are extortionate, or if there’s no confidence it can be delivered properly, and let’s face it, previous big IT projects haven’t gone well, then I wouldn’t go ahead with it.

"Those are my concerns. But I do not believe this is about creeping authoritarianism. I just don’t share that fear."