Amanda Holden’s sharp seven-word jab at Tony Blair ignites digital ID controversy
Amanda Holden has criticized Tony Blair for supporting the UK government’s proposed digital ID initiative. The television personality and judge on Britain’s Got Talent raised questions on Instagram regarding Blair’s potential financial connections to the project, addressing her 2.6 million followers.
Amanda Holden’s Comments on Digital ID Controversy
Holden shared a post that circulated widely, hinting at a conflict of interest involving Blair’s son, Euan. The post claimed that Euan Blair owns a company that would receive £100 billion to develop and manage the digital ID system. It also alleged that Tony Blair already owns shares worth £375 million in the same company.
- Post originally from @criticalmindb
- Claims disappeared from Holden’s Instagram Stories after 24 hours
- Commenting was disabled on the post
Reactions and Clarifications
The controversy surrounding the Blairs’ alleged connection to the digital ID rollout was further fueled by a recent episode of the BBC show Have I Got News For You. Guest host Victoria Coren Mitchell jokingly referred to Euan Blair’s company, Multiverse, as the selected contractor for the project. However, this claim has been publicly debunked.
Fact-checking organization Full Fact issued a statement clarifying that the government has announced no official partners for the digital ID initiative. They specifically noted that Multiverse is not a software developer but an upskilling company. The BBC later confirmed the inaccuracies in their reporting concerning Euan Blair’s business involvement.
Government Plans for Digital ID System
Two weeks prior, the UK government revealed its intention to implement the digital ID system. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer stated that the new IDs would enhance border security. The IDs will be mandatory for all individuals seeking employment but will not have to be carried at all times.
- Implementation target: By the end of the current Parliament
- Next general election deadline: August 2029
The digital ID will be app-based and accessible via smartphones, akin to the NHS App or digital banking applications. The IDs will store essential information including residency status, name, date of birth, nationality, and a digital photograph.
