Labour under Prime Minister Keir Starmer has unveiled plans for a mandatory digital ID system intended to become “the bedrock of the modern state,” positioning it as a crucial tool to combat illegal immigration and reform public services. The policy, spearheaded by Darren Jones, Chief Secretary to the Prime Minister, mandates that anyone working in the UK must hold this digital ID, which will contain personal details such as name, date of birth, a photo, nationality, and residency status. This ID would be stored on smartphones or alternative devices and required to legally secure employment, marking a significant step in tightening immigration control.

Starmer’s government presents the digital ID not merely as an immigration enforcement mechanism but as a foundation for reforming public services, promising easier access to healthcare, welfare, and other state facilities. The ID will be issued free of charge, with provisions for those without smartphones to ensure inclusivity. At the Global Progress Action Summit in London, Starmer emphasised the need for a fair immigration system, arguing that the policy reflects a pragmatic response to the public’s concerns about illegal work and unfair labour market practices. He stated unequivocally: “You will not be able to work in the United Kingdom if you do not have digital ID.”

Yet, the rollout of this plan has ignited significant backlash from civil liberties advocates, opposition parties, and segments of the Labour Party itself. Critics warn that the digital ID could expand state surveillance and encroach on privacy. Campaign groups like Big Brother Watch have labelled the scheme "wholly unBritish," warning it could create a domestic “mass surveillance infrastructure." A petition opposing the introduction of these digital IDs quickly gained traction, amassing over 1.4 million signatures on the UK Parliament petitions website within days, reflecting widespread public unease. The petitions platform mandates government responses to proposals exceeding 10,000 signatures, and petitions surpassing 100,000 may be considered for parliamentary debate. While this does not guarantee parliamentary discussion, the scale of opposition is notable.

Comparisons have been drawn to the Labour government under Tony Blair, which attempted a similar ID card scheme that was ultimately scrapped after fierce parliamentary and public resistance. Reform UK and the Liberal Democrats have dismissed the current plans as ineffective gimmicks unlikely to stop illegal immigration, while Tory leader Kemi Badenoch described the policy as “a gimmick that will do nothing to stop the boats,” referring to migrant Channel crossings. Even within Labour ranks, figures like Shadow Pensions Secretary Helen Whately expressed scepticism, arguing that the digital ID would not tackle cash-in-hand jobs in the grey economy where employment is often unregulated and wages below legal minimum standards.

Supporters of the policy, including the Tony Blair Institute think tank, urge ministers to capitalise on this moment to go further, advocating for digital IDs to become a gateway for citizens to access state services securely and to demonstrate that the government is acting in their interest. The institute’s Alexander Iosad described the initiative as an opportunity “that must not be missed,” emphasising the dual goals of combating illegal migration and fostering a modernised, citizen-friendly state.

Starmer’s announcement comes amid a broader political context marked by public discontent and controversies facing his leadership. His premiership has seen contentious debates over immigration and broader governance, including clashes over his stance on the Israel-Hamas conflict that contributed to Labour losing seats and sparked petitions calling for early elections. These pressures underscore the challenges his government faces in pursuing ambitious reforms while maintaining public support.

The introduction of mandatory digital IDs reflects a significant policy shift in the UK’s long-standing debate over identity verification. Since the Second World War, compulsory identity cards have been largely absent due to privacy concerns and political opposition. Whether this new attempt by Starmer’s administration will succeed in balancing public security, civil liberties, and technological innovation remains to be seen as the policy faces intense scrutiny and sustained public pushback.

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Source: Noah Wire Services