I think it's premature to think that government minister saying they're looking into the technology and that private businesses may use them like test and trace equals being effectively compulsory. If it is like test and trace, it's not going to include shops and many other essentials. Now ministers are dithering back and forth on it, but I think as it seems likely they'll likely put most of this on business choices and we can see now how many are handling that for an idea of what's to come.
Questioning the government is great, but with how wobbly they are, it's best not to jump to the pitchforks just yet.
So you’re all ok for your kids to have it, even when it poses close to zero risk to them?
I paid privately for my older son to get an HPV vaccine. This was some years ago, many people were still arguing that it was too small a risk for boys to be included, that it was being given too young (and would promote all sorts of sexual behaviour), that the vaccine was too risky and hadn't been out long enough. Now it's on the NHS list for boys too so I won't have to pay for my younger son.
This is unlikely to be given to kids any time soon, I'd support my kids getting it when it's recommended and available for them.
The government don’t have a high success rate for rolling out the sort of technology and programs required. Remember their trace app
Their NHS system ID cards.
Once the country is bankrupt from the combination of covid and brexit, there will be no money to pay for such things.
A lot of economists have spoken out against the commonly touted idea of the government having no money to pay for thing because COVID. It's going to be a handy excuse for years and we shouldn't let the government use it unchallenged.
The government has fucked up a lot of these projects, though often when they bring in "private partners", and I do think we should question them pushing out their power and authority. Government biometric ID cards were rolled out. I have one as required for a non-EU immigrant to enable me to prove my right to work and access services. I paid over £300 for the privilege twice. There is going to be a mess in December 2024 when they all come for needing renewal (while they're suppose to be valid ten years, both my cards had the same expiration date, even the one I got earlier this year and it's been noticed across groups that a lot of people over the last several years have the same date). It is a mess even when it gets rolled out.
We have the resources for better, governments have chosen solutions that fit them and their mates. I could see them wrangling another app like the UKVCAS IDV that rolled out this year (was required for all document submissions for a few months before being quietly withdrawn in most area), but I don't see it being either this all powerful tracking service some fear or this miracle freedom pass some hope for. Like you said, we haven't even got test and trace working, and plenty of people manage to go around without ever being asked if they have the app. I really have no fear it's going to restrict me even as someone who likely be very low on the finalized list so it may take me much longer to get it.