London, Sept 26(HS): Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer is set to announce plans for a compulsory national digital ID scheme in a speech on Friday, framing it as part of his government’s agenda to modernise state services and curb illegal working.According to senior government figures, the scheme would replace reliance on physical documents with a centralised identity database, allowing checks on an individual’s right to live and work in the UK to be carried out digitally. Officials are examining how to make it accessible for those without smartphones or passports, with a public consultation to determine practical details.
The initiative revives a debate that previously ended in defeat for the last Labour government’s attempt to introduce ID cards, blocked by the Conservative-Liberal Democrat coalition. Sir Keir argued earlier this month that public attitudes have shifted, noting that Britons now routinely carry more forms of digital identification than two decades ago.
The proposal has already triggered sharp political divisions. Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch warned that a mandatory scheme was a “very serious step” and accused the government of using it as a “desperate gimmick” to deflect attention from internal Labour tensions, particularly the manoeuvring of Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham.
Reform UK dismissed the plan as a “cynical ploy”, saying digital IDs would neither deter illegal immigrants nor prevent exploitative employment, but would instead erode the freedoms of law-abiding citizens. The Liberal Democrats, who opposed Labour’s original ID card proposal, also rejected the scheme, arguing it risked turning people into “criminals” simply for refusing a digital identity.Civil liberties campaigners, including the Open Rights Group, warned of the dangers of creating a “pre-crime state” where citizens are constantly asked to prove their identity, pointing to data errors in the government’s existing eVisa system.
Former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn branded the proposal an “affront to civil liberties” as he prepares to launch his new left-wing party.
Starmer’s speech will also address mounting tensions over immigration, following far-right protests outside asylum hotels this summer. He is expected to defend tougher border controls, arguing that the country cannot rely on labour markets exploiting undocumented foreign workers.
Writing in The Telegraph ahead of his address, the prime minister dismissed Reform UK’s “toxic rhetoric,” while insisting Labour must “enforce every possible measure” to deter illegal crossings, even as he ruled out simplistic solutions.
Starmer will contrast what he called the “politics of predatory grievance” with a vision of “patriotic renewal,” seeking to reassure voters that his government is serious about both security and fairness.
Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar
