'SO many people have fought for this!' Digital ID campaigner hails 'fantastic' U-turn on 'disgusting' scheme

Ministers are understood to be considering making the planned digital ID Right to Work checks voluntary rather than compulsory in 2029.

Now, Alan Miller of the Together Declaration freedom advocacy group has heaped praise on a "concerted effort" across the country to force the Government's hand.

"We have to be very pleased," he told GB News.

"We have to recognise that so many people have fought, campaigned, lobbied, done things with local councillors and MPs, protested and put flyers through doors up and down the country.

"It's been a concerted effort with stunts and a range of things.

"It's fantastic that the that the Government has heard from the public."

Mr Miller also referenced a landmark petition against the cards - which surged to just short of three million signatures before receiving a parliamentary debate in December.

"There's a recognition that there's a deep, deep disgust with the fact this Government was trying to impose this on everyone," he said of the poll.

He went on: "It's fantastic that they're formally announcing that they're not going to do what they should never have done in the first place."

But Mr Miller also warned that his fight may not be over yet.

The Children's Wellbeing and Schools Bill proposes a "Single Unique Identifier" for children to link their records across education, health, and social care.

He said there were still "many people" pushing for a "one login"-style system similar to that put forward in the Bill - and vowed campaigners would not relent in their battle against it.

But Mr Miller acknowledged that "we have to recognise when we win".

"The Together Declaration was born out of challenging draconian measures such as imposing vaccine passports and mandatory jabs. But yes, we have to recognise when we win.

"That's a win for the public and for people that are saying: 'No, this is not acceptable.'

"We're not going to do that in Britain. This is not the British way."

Despite the celebration, a Government spokesman told the People's Channel last night: "We are committed to mandatory digital right to work checks."

“We have always been clear that details on the digital ID scheme will be set out following a full public consultation, which will launch shortly.

“Digital ID will make everyday life easier for people, ensuring public services are more personal, joined-up, and effective, while also remaining inclusive."