Keir Starmer is expected to introduce digital identification cards, known as “BritCards,” for adults in the UK to combat illegal migration. The Prime Minister is anticipated to confirm this initiative in an upcoming speech, enabling the verification of individuals’ right to reside and work in the country.
Under the proposal, every adult will be required to possess a digital ID, which can be stored in a GOV.UK smartphone application. This digital ID will be crucial when applying for employment or renting accommodation in the UK, as it will be cross-checked with a central database of individuals authorized to live and work in the country.
The implementation of digital ID cards aims to streamline the process of verifying immigration status, discouraging illegal work practices and addressing issues related to unscrupulous landlords. While former Prime Minister Tony Blair has advocated for ID cards in the past, the government had previously dismissed the idea. However, a recent report from the think tank Labour Together prompted a reconsideration by No10’s policy unit.
According to Labour Together, the digital ID cards would be distributed at no cost to all eligible individuals in the UK, with an estimated setup cost ranging from £140 million to £400 million. In addition to enhancing identity verification, the cards could offer consumer conveniences such as eliminating the need to carry a passport when collecting deliveries from the Post Office and potentially serving as a valid ID for purchasing alcohol.
Keir Starmer is scheduled to address the Global Progress Action Summit in London, where he will be joined by Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney. In a recent statement, the Prime Minister acknowledged the potential role of an ID card system in deterring illegal migration, highlighting the evolution of digital identification over the past two decades.
The proposed digital ID system reflects the changing technological landscape and its influence on identity management, signaling a shift in perceptions since the previous debates on ID cards during the Labour government in the 2000s.