Do I need to “sign up” to take The Pledge?

No. Taking The Pledge does not involve submitting an email address, creating an account, or joining a membership. It is a personal and public commitment that you make – not a petition.

You can freely download a blank certificate from this page, share it, and sign it according to the instructions provided.

Can’t I just sign The Pledge online?

Many things today can be done with a click, but The Pledge is intended to be a personal declaration that you make and sign seriously.

The purpose of The Pledge is to create a clear, personal statement from people who have chosen to stand behind the principles it sets out.

The physical signing process is part of the message – it shows that you are making a considered choice, not simply responding to a pop-up or online prompt.

By signing an actual piece of paper, you are taking a small physical action in the real world. There is a little more effort required, and therefore a greater sense of commitment.

Why sign The Pledge at all? Why not just decide privately that I won’t comply?

Private decisions matter, but a public commitment has much greater power.

Firstly, the purpose of The Pledge is not only to guide your own actions, but to show that there are many people who have made the same considered choice.

Signing your name – with a witness – creates a clear personal commitment that can be seen, shared, and counted. It demonstrates that your decision is not just a private thought, but a position you are prepared to stand behind publicly, inspiring others.

Secondly, making a public Pledge also makes it less likely that people will break their commitment at a moment of weakness – for example, when facing a deadline, pressure, or stress.

Who can sign as witness?

A family member, friend or colleague is ideal – you don’t need anyone “special” to witness that you have signed the Pledge. If you need to explain, you could say something like: “Excuse me, I’m just looking for someone to witness a signature on a personal declaration. It doesn’t mean you have to agree with it – you’re only confirming that you saw me sign it. Would you be happy to help?”

What does “government code” mean?

For most people, a simple shorthand would be “government apps.”

“Government code” refers to any government-controlled digital credential, identifier, or verification method that could be used to prove who you are or access services.

Why doesn’t The Pledge wording mention “digital ID” specifically?

What we are concerned about may not always be conveniently labelled “Digital ID.”

For example, during the Covid era, “vaccine passports” were not explicitly called “Digital ID”, yet those systems were used to control access to parts of society based on personal information.

The Pledge focuses on the wider principles and concerns involved, including questions around identity systems, privacy, choice, and access to services.

Is the NHS app “government code?”

Yes. The NHS app is a form of government-controlled digital code.

During the Covid era, the NHS app was used as the main “vaccine passport” system used to control access to venues based on personal information.

If I already have a government app (“code”) on my phone, what should I do?

The Pledge is about making a personal commitment regarding the use of government-controlled digital credentials, identifiers, or verification systems.

If you have a government app or digital credential on your phone already, signing The Pledge and acting consistently with it means removing that government-controlled code from your device.

For many people, this will mean uninstalling the app or deleting the digital credential.

Will signing The Pledge stop me getting a driving licence or passport or accessing services?

No. Signing The Pledge – and acting consistently with it – does not currently affect your driving licence, passport, NHS access, benefits, banking, or any other services.

We want to keep it that way.

What do I do with The Pledge after I sign it?

Ideally, make a quick video or take a photo and share online with others that you have taken the Pledge, and why. Then keep it for your own records.

Can this really work?

A similar Pledge – against Tony Blair’s ID cards in the 2000s – was signed by more than 1 million people and was a key part of that successful campaign.

In 2026, while our new Pledge cannot take all the credit, it is a fact that hundreds were posted to new Prime Minister Andy Burnham immediately before he announced that the national Digital ID proposal would be scrapped.

Public campaigns often begin with people choosing to make their position clear. If enough people say NO, digital ID systems will fail – so what happens is entirely up to us.

So, after you have made your Pledge, please share it with others and help spread the word.