SNP ‘Death Star’ database plan under attack

MSPs are due to vote on controversial plans for a so-called super ID health database critics have dubbed the “Death Star”.

The SNP administration is proposing giving over 100 public bodies’ access to records currently held by the NHS.

Under the scheme everyone in Scotland would be given a number identifying them, which critics claim would amount to a national ID card.

A government consultation on the proposals closed last week and Lib Dems will use debating time in Holyrood this week to force MSPs to vote on the issue.

Scottish Lib Dem leader Willie Rennie MSP said: “These shadowy plans could lay the groundwork for the creation of a national ID card.

“There can be no shrinking violets in the debate over these intrusive and potentially costly plans.”

Under the plans public bodies would be granted access to the NHS Central Register and, in return, update it with information they held about individuals.

The Scottish Government says the scheme would improve the quality of NHS data, allow them to track children missing from the education system, streamline access to local authority services and identify Scottish taxpayers ahead of the new devolved regime rolling out from April.

But critics warn with so many people potentially having access to the database, it could be abused by stalkers or abusive partners.

The Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations warned of the potential for losing data.

Policy manager Ruchir Shah said: “Whether it’s police staff hitting the wrong buttons and losing thousands of records, or databases where the costs spiral out of control, we’ve seen the damaging headlines that can occur.

“The proposals with this register will take these dangers to an unprecedented level.”

Jim Killock, executive director of the civil liberties Open Rights Group, added: “The identity system has been evolving since 2005 but nobody has spelt out to the public or ministers precisely what’s being built. Now, lo and behold, the Death Star emerges.

“It’s undemocratic and irresponsible.”

A Scottish Government spokeswoman said: “There are no proposals to share medical records and the Scottish Government is opposed to the introduction of ID cards.

“The NHS Central Register has existed since the ’50s, and is used by local authorities and health boards under strictly controlled arrangements, to ensure they deal with the right individual and to prevent mistakes being made.”