CBDC is just another kind of data ledger system, but with some potentially ugly strings attached: instead of your local bank keeping track of your transactions, all that data will go to the Bank of England. They will become the central clearing house for all non-cash financial transactions -- and the big banks are loving it!
The issue is privacy. Right now, only the HRMC and police have the power to examine your personal financial history, but only in the context of a criminal investigation or tax law violation (at least it used to be). But with CBDC, your entire financial history is just setting out there for anyone in govt. to peruse without legal safeguards (like a court order). And you just know its all gonna end up in the hands of some third-party data broker.
No, the govt. is not going to force you to use CBDC ... they won't have to.
But the big banks and big corporations most definitely will. And big media will be out there selling it to young & dumb 20-30 somethings who can't take a dump without clicking some app on their precious SmartPhones! These Tesla-driving-soy-boy-mask-Karens will be the early adopters of CBDC, singing its praises as the greatest thing since Pop Tarts ... just as they all lined up to get their clot-shots while threatening internment for those who didn't.
Here's how I think this thing will play out:
1. The pre-rollout sales pitch by big media.
2. Focus group studies to identify pockets of stubborn non-conformity and how to deal with them.
3. Instil a false sense of security by telling people they'll still be able to use cards, cash, checks, etc.
4. Major retailers will proclaim their support.
5. Full rollout & activation.
After a few years, expect to see fewer and fewer venues accepting cash payment or limit cash transactions to a single automated checkout lane. The UK will move towards CBDC by social pressure, not govt. force.