Digital ID Court Challenge Faces March 20 Deadline as Claimant Seeks Renewal Hearing

PRESS RELEASE

For Immediate Release

Legal Challenge Over UK Digital ID Policy Continues Following High Court Permission Decision

A legal challenge concerning the UK Government’s proposed digital identity framework is continuing following a High Court decision refusing permission for the claim to proceed at the initial paper stage.

The case, brought in the Administrative Court as R (Proctor) v Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology and the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, relates to the Government’s plans surrounding digital identity and right-to-work verification systems.

The High Court refused permission to proceed at the paper stage, primarily on the basis that the claim was considered “premature”, noting that the policy remains under consultation and has not yet been formally enacted.

Importantly, the Court did not determine the legality of the proposed digital identity scheme itself. Instead, the refusal relates to the timing of the challenge rather than the merits of the legal arguments raised.

Under Civil Procedure Rule 54.12, the claimant has the right to request an oral renewal hearing, where a judge reconsideres the refusal of permission after hearing submissions in person.

At such a hearing, the Court will determine whether the claim is arguable and should proceed to a full judicial review hearing, where the substantive legal issues could be examined.

The case arises amid significant public debate surrounding digital identity proposals in the United Kingdom. More than three million people signed a public petition expressing concern about mandatory digital identity proposals when they were initially announced.

Since the legal challenge began, the Government has already adjusted aspects of its proposed policy, including stepping back from the original proposal to make digital identity compulsory for right-to-work checks.

The claimant argues that the legal issues raised should be examined by the courts before the framework becomes embedded in public services.

While many judicial review claims are refused at the initial permission stage, the renewal procedure exists specifically to allow reconsideration of such decisions, particularly where the refusal is based on procedural grounds such as prematurity.

To pursue the oral renewal, the claimant must file Form 86B within seven days of the Court’s order. The deadline for deciding whether to proceed with the renewal application is 20 March 2026.

The case has already required approximately £13,000 in funding to reach this stage, consisting of both public support and personal financial contributions. Further funding is required in order to pursue the renewal hearing and continue the legal challenge.

As a result, the decision on whether the case proceeds is ultimately dependent on whether sufficient public support can be secured before the deadline.

Members of the public wishing to support the continuation of the case can find further details here:

https://gofund.me/1846b3061

Media Enquiries

For further information or comment regarding the case, please contact:charlieproctor79@gmail.com

Charlie Proctor
Claimant – Judicial Review Challenge on Digital ID