News

Government ignores public concern over Digital ID Scheme, says Lib Dem MP

Published

3 months ago

December 16, 2025

Chadwick calls for scrapping of costly and controversial policy after thousands of Welsh signatures and Westminster debate

THOUSANDS of people across Wales have voiced their opposition to the UK Government’s proposed mandatory digital identity scheme, with the Welsh Liberal Democrats accusing ministers of ignoring the concerns of the public.

David Chadwick, the Liberal Democrat MP for Brecon, Radnor and Cwm Tawe, led calls in Westminster to scrap the controversial policy, following a debate in Westminster Hall on December 8, 2025. Chadwick expressed concerns over the cost, the exclusion of digitally disadvantaged groups, and the potential for the scheme to be ineffective in tackling its stated goals, including illegal immigration.

Chadwick referred to the case of Harry Willcock, the last person in the UK to be prosecuted for refusing to produce an identity card in the 1950s, in an effort to highlight the historical and civil liberties concerns surrounding the proposal.

Growing opposition across Wales

According to figures released by the Welsh Liberal Democrats, 4,587 people in Chadwick’s constituency have signed the public e-petition opposing the digital ID scheme, and more than 154,000 people across Wales have added their names to the growing list of signatories. The petition has gathered over three million signatures nationwide, reflecting widespread opposition.

Concerns over cost and exclusion

Speaking in Parliament, Chadwick pointed out that the scheme, which is estimated to cost at least £1.8 billion, is likely to exceed this figure, given the track record of large-scale government IT projects. He warned that such a large financial commitment could divert much-needed resources away from essential services such as the NHS, policing, and local councils.

Furthermore, Chadwick raised concerns that the digital identity system would exclude vulnerable individuals, particularly the elderly and those living in areas with limited digital access. These groups could struggle to engage with an increasingly digital-first society, leaving them further marginalized.

Security risks and ineffectiveness

The Liberal Democrats have also warned that the concentration of personal data in one centralised system poses significant risks, including the potential for data breaches and cyberattacks. Chadwick described the scheme as a “gold mine” for hackers, urging caution.

Critics argue that the digital ID system will not effectively tackle illegal immigration. Chadwick highlighted that existing systems, such as National Insurance numbers and right-to-work checks, already address the issue, making the proposed ID system redundant.

Calls for immediate scrapping

In his closing remarks, Chadwick said: “The fact that so many people in Brecon, Radnor and Cwm Tawe have signed this petition shows how deeply concerned the public is about mandatory digital IDs. Yet, the Government seems determined to ignore these concerns.”

“The scheme’s projected £1.8 billion cost is an astonishing priority, especially considering the many challenges facing our public services. This proposal is not the answer to issues like immigration or public safety—it’s an expensive distraction,” Chadwick concluded.

The Welsh Liberal Democrats are continuing to campaign against the scheme, calling for the Government to redirect funds to more pressing public services. The debate is likely to continue as the UK Government assesses public and parliamentary opinion on this divisive issue.

Crime

Broad Haven man remanded in custody over sexual harm prevention order breach

Published

5 hours ago

March 20, 2026

Court Reporter

Defendant admitted using Xbox without informing police as required under court order

ANTHONY COOMBES, aged 26, of Sand Banks, Broad Haven, appeared before Llanelli Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (Mar 20) charged with breaching a sexual harm prevention order.

The court heard that between February 26 and March 19, 2026, at Haverfordwest, Coombes repeatedly breached the order by using an Xbox device without informing police within three days, as required.

The offences relate to a sexual harm prevention order imposed at Swansea Crown Court on October 20, 2021.

Coombes indicated guilty pleas to the offences at the first hearing.

Magistrates committed the case to Swansea Crown Court for sentence.

He was remanded in custody ahead of the next hearing, which is due to take place at 9:00am on Friday, April 3, at Swansea Crown Court.

The court refused bail on the grounds that he was likely to offend, citing the nature and seriousness of the offences and his previous record and character.

A pre-sentence report was ordered.

News

Man arrested after suspected drugs-related death in Haverfordwest

Published

6 hours ago

March 20, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Police say death not suspicious as 46-year-old arrested over alleged Class A drug supply

A MAN has died following a medical emergency at a property in Haverfordwest, police have confirmed.

Emergency services were called at 3:18pm on Wednesday (March 18) after a report of a medical incident.

A man was pronounced dead at the scene.

Dyfed-Powys Police said the man’s next of kin have been informed and are being supported by officers.

The death is not being treated as suspicious at this time.

However, police confirmed that a man, aged 46, was arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of Class A drugs.

He has since been released under investigation while enquiries continue.

No further details about the deceased have been formally released.

Crime

Illegal dog breeders ordered to pay over £129,000 after council probe

Published

7 hours ago

March 20, 2026

Tom Sinclair

FOUR people from Mynyddygarreg, Kidwelly, have been ordered to pay more than £129,000 following a successful prosecution for illegal dog breeding.

At Swansea Crown Court on Tuesday (Mar 10), before His Honour Judge Thomas KC, Stacey May June Edwards, Peter John Edwards, Sian Eleri Thomas and David Malcolm James Thomas, all of Sea Breeze, Mynyddygarreg, pleaded guilty to offences under the Breeding of Dogs (Wales) Regulations 2014.

The court imposed confiscation orders totalling £129,873.41 under the Proceeds of Crime Act across the four defendants. They were also ordered to pay £8,000 in costs, while each defendant received a £2,000 fine.

The investigation began in April 2021 after Carmarthenshire County Council’s Animal Health team received an enquiry from Peter Edwards about obtaining a dog breeding licence. Although licensing guidance was provided and a partial application was submitted in February 2022, this was later withdrawn.

In March 2024, the council received a complaint that puppies were being advertised for sale without the required licence. Officers subsequently contacted online advertising platforms and issued data requests to assess the scale of activity.

Analysis of records from Pets4Homes, Freeads and Gumtree revealed multiple litters being advertised by members of the same household.

Correspondence under the Police and Criminal Evidence Act confirmed that up to 25 dogs were kept at the property, including between 16 and 19 breeding females.

While some defendants claimed joint ownership of the dogs, others attempted to minimise their involvement.

The Herald understands that numerous puppy advertisements were posted between July 2020 and April 2025, demonstrating a sustained pattern of unlicensed breeding.

Carmarthenshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Decarbonisation and Sustainability, Cllr Aled Vaughan Owen, said: “This case demonstrates the council’s firm stance against unlicensed and illegal dog breeding.

“These regulations are in place to protect animal welfare and ensure that breeding activities are subject to proper oversight. The scale of activity uncovered at this property was entirely unacceptable, and we welcome the court’s decision to issue significant confiscation orders under POCA.”

He added: “We urge anyone with concerns about illegal dog breeding to report it. Our Animal Health officers will continue to investigate thoroughly and take action against those who disregard the law.”

Residents are reminded that anyone breeding and selling dogs must comply with licensing regulations designed to protect both animal welfare and consumers.