2025: Week 38 - Cream teas, Digital ID and THAT foodbank

It is conference season, and as such, Parliament is in recess.  This has given me the opportunity to spend more time in the constituency. 

Over the weekend I was invited to a Musical Cream Tea held by Torbay Hospital League of Friends in Ipplepen Village Hall, where I was treated to a lovely afternoon tea and some fantastic entertainment courtesy of Peter “MAC” Dell.  This delightful afternoon was hosted by Wendy and Alan from the Torbay Hospital League of Friends, a very worthwhile charity who fundraise to provide funds to the hospital.  Over the past few months the League of Friends have provided cutting edge equipment for chronic pain management, a new CT scanner and new equipment for the ENT clinics.  It was amazing to see what a dedicated and passionate group of people can achieve, and I was delighted to be invited and asked to lend my support. The League of Friends have a Facebook page, if you want to follow their activities or even get involved in some way you’ll be able to see first hand what a difference they make.

This week the Government announced their plans to introduce a Digital ID card for all, which they say will eradicate illegal workers in the UK.  This is a huge vanity project for Labour, one which will cost the tax payer billions of pounds and won’t achieve the desired outcomes. 

Many areas of the South West are still struggling with digital inclusion.  The elderly, disabled, and those on low incomes are most likely to be adversely affected by this policy.  The Government published a Digital Inclusion Action Plan in February 2025, but I’m hearing from my constituents that 7 months on they have seen little to no improvements. 

Additionally, it appears that the digital ID will be required not just for accessing employment, but also as “right to rent” proof, which risks placing additional burdens on people already marginalised in society.

I also have deep unease about the growing relationships between the Government and large tech companies, such as Palantir, Apple and Google.  As a member of the Science, Innovation and Technology committee in Parliament I have raised concerns about these relationships in the house, and have yet to receive satisfactory answers.  Knowing that the Government is willing for these companies to hold and have access to such sensitive data is worrying.  I will continue to push for answers, and along with my Lib Dem colleagues will oppose digital ID cards.

Finally, I was invited to THAT foodbank in Newton Abbot to see the work they are doing in the community. They are a wonderful resource helping so many people in the area; and they don’t just offer food parcels, they can help with so many other issues as well, including pet food for the furry family members!  They are always looking for additional volunteers to help them, so if you are able to spare a few hours please google them and head to their website.