UK plans compulsory digital ID as populist pressure over immigration rises

"The scheme, which government says will curb undocumented immigration, has drawn criticism from across the political spectrum. The United Kingdom has announced plans to introduce a digital ID scheme in a bid to curb undocumented immigration. Announced by the government on Friday, the scheme will see the digital ID of British citizens and residents held on phones. The government said there will be no requirement for individuals to carry their ID or be asked to produce it, but that it will be mandatory for workers."

"The free digital ID would include a person's name, date of birth, and photo, as well as information on their nationality and residency status. It will be mandatory as a means of proving your right to work, a government statement said. This will stop those with no right to be here from being able to find work, curbing their prospect of earning money, one of the key pull factors' for people who come to the UK illegally, it added."

"The digital ID will also make it simpler to apply for services like driving licences, childcare and welfare, while streamlining access to tax records, the statement said. Digital ID is an enormous opportunity for the UK It will also offer ordinary citizens countless benefits, Starmer said. It will make it tougher to work illegally in this country, making our borders more secure."

The United Kingdom will introduce a free digital ID held on phones containing name, date of birth, photo, nationality and residency status. The ID will be mandatory to prove right to work, aiming to prevent undocumented migrants from gaining employment and reducing a key pull factor. The ID will simplify applying for driving licences, childcare, welfare and accessing tax records. The government says the ID will not require individuals to carry physical ID, but it will be mandatory for workers. The proposal revives debate after ID cards were abolished post–World War II and has drawn cross-spectrum criticism, including Liberal Democrats opposing mandatory data requirements.

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