The United Kingdom is set to introduce a mandatory digital ID system to tackle illegal working, Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced at the Global Progressive Action Conference in London.
The digital ID, stored on smartphones, will include a person’s name, date of birth, nationality or residency status, and photo.
It will be mandatory for proving the right to work in the UK by 2029, aiming to deter illegal migration by making it harder for undocumented individuals to secure employment.
“Digital ID is an enormous opportunity for the UK. It will make it tougher to work illegally in this country, making our borders more secure,” Starmer said.
The government also highlighted that the scheme will simplify access to services like driving licenses, childcare, and tax records, offering significant benefits to citizens.
Opposition parties have raised concerns about the scheme’s implications.
The Conservative Party, led by Kemi Badenoch, opposes mandatory ID cards, arguing they burden law-abiding citizens.
“We will not support any system that is mandatory for British people or excludes those of us who choose not to use it from any of the rights of our citizenship,” Badenoch stated.
The Liberal Democrats and Reform UK also criticized the plan, with the latter calling it a “cynical ploy” to mislead voters on immigration control.
Critics, including the SNP-led Scottish government and Northern Ireland’s First Minister Michelle O’Neill, argue it infringes on civil liberties and may not effectively reduce Channel crossings.
The government plans to launch a three-month consultation later this year, with legislation expected in early 2026.
No physical ID card will be required, and provisions will be made for those without smartphones.
Despite a petition with 575,000 signatures opposing the scheme, recent polling suggests majority support for the digital ID initiative.