Lord Mandelson Humble Address: Government Response Update

Debate between Joy Morrissey and Darren Jones
Monday 27th April 2026

(1 week, 5 days ago)

Commons Chamber
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Darren Jones Portrait Darren Jones
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I am afraid I do not know the answer to that question, but I commit myself to taking it away.

Joy Morrissey Portrait Joy Morrissey (Beaconsfield) (Con)
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I am just a humble Member of this House, and it is our job to hold the Government to account. It was unclear from the Minister’s first response what the process will be, so could he clarify again whether, if the ISC members disagree with the Government, that matter will be brought back to the House for a decision? I do not believe it is right for the Government to judge and mark their own homework.

Darren Jones Portrait Darren Jones
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I refer to my previous answer about standing by the commitment made between the Government and the Committee. There is an established process for any disagreement through a redactions hearing.

Digital ID: Public Consultation

Debate between Joy Morrissey and Darren Jones
Tuesday 10th March 2026

(1 month, 4 weeks ago)

Commons Chamber
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Darren Jones Portrait Darren Jones
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I completely agree with my hon. Friend. The good news is that there will be a “Dear Colleagues” letter coming out later today that will invite all hon. Members, on a cross-party basis, to hold a constituency event on digital ID so that they can submit those views to the consultation.

Joy Morrissey Portrait Joy Morrissey (Beaconsfield) (Con)
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The Minister mentioned that there is no set budget, so is this a blank cheque for Government spending? What will be the end point? Is this a white elephant, a black hole or just another project that will fall by the wayside? Why are the Government having a people’s panel when we have Parliament, and when people across the county are saying that they do not want digital ID?

Darren Jones Portrait Darren Jones
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The consultation is open to anyone and everyone, whatever view they hold, so I encourage the hon. Lady to invite her constituents to take part. She asked about the cost of the scheme. As I have said, the Bill will come to the House later this year. A money resolution will be required, for the Government to spend money on the scheme. Future costs will be subject to the next spending review in 2027.