question Time Host Fiona Bruce intervenes in Heated Exchange Over ID Cards
Thursday’s episode of Question Time saw a tense clash between Labor’s Lisa Nandy and Reform UK’s Richard Tice, prompting host Fiona Bruce to regain control of the debate. The confrontation arose following a question to Nandy regarding whether ID cards coudl curb illegal immigration via small boat crossings.
Nandy cautioned against simplistic solutions, stating: ”Beware of any politician who tells you that when it comes to getting control of immigration, there is one single solution. We are coming at this from every single angle, disrupting the gangs, supporting people who have the right to be here…”
Tice interrupted, asserting, “We certainly know that disrupting the gangs is not working.” Nandy retorted,visibly frustrated: “I’m sorry Richard,you’ve had to say a lot about it this week,” and then,stuttering,added,”And it’s a different story each time.” The ensuing back-and-forth, with both speaking together, led Bruce to intervene, refocusing the discussion with the question: “Lisa, can I just bring you back to the question about ID cards… will it be compulsory?”
Nandy deferred a detailed response, referencing an upcoming speech by Prime Minister Keir Starmer, saying, “The Prime Minister is going to make some comments about this tomorrow, I can’t pre-empt them.” She continued, ”What I can say is, beware of these snake oil salesmen who tell you that there are simple solutions. If there where simple solutions, they woudl have been done by now.”
Tice interjected with “Which is not ID cards,” prompting Nandy to point at him and declare, “Don’t buy what this guy is selling.” Bruce was then required to step in again, assuring Tice, “Richard, I’ll come to you in a minute, just let me go around the panel.”
Earlier in the program, Nandy outlined the potential benefits of digital IDs, explaining they could “make sure that people are able to prove their right to be here, to work here legally, very easily,” which would “help us to deal with the illegal economy.” She also suggested potential benefits for citizens, drawing a parallel to the NHS app: “If you think about the way the NHS app has developed in recent years and now you’re much more able to do things like make GP appointments online and access your medical records. We think there may be benefits to the general public as well.”
Government sources indicate that Prime Minister Starmer believes ID cards could help combat illegal working and modernize state systems. While a previous Labour government’s attempt to introduce ID cards was blocked by a Conservative-Liberal Democrat coalition, Starmer recently stated the debate had “moved on.”
However, Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch has criticized the proposal, calling it a “desperate gimmick” and a “very serious step that requires a proper national debate.” Badenoch has also previously expressed skepticism about the effectiveness of digital ID in addressing illegal working.