Labour’s introduction of a digital ID system is described as ‘the foundation of the modern state’ by a senior aide to the Prime Minister, as a petition opposing the measure surpasses 1.4 million signatures.
In the UK, everyone in employment will be required to have this ID as a measure to curtail illegal immigration. Darren Jones, who is leading this initiative in his role as Chief Secretary to the PM, hinted at potential broader applications for the ID in the future.
Civil liberty campaigners have, however, railed against the plan, with the backlash growing.
Last night, a petition on the Parliament website titled ‘Do not introduce digital ID cards’ had more than 1.4million signatures.
Sir Keir Starmer said today the immigration system needed to be ‘fair’ as he made the case for digital IDs at a conference of progressive leaders.
‘Let me spell it out, you will not be able to work in the United Kingdom if you do not have digital ID,’ he said.
‘It’s as simple as that because decent, pragmatic, fair-minded people, they want us to tackle the issues that they see around them.’
During his address at the Global Progress Action Summit in London, Mr. Jones expressed that implementing this policy is a key objective during his tenure in the Cabinet Office.
Sir Keir Starmer emphasized the necessity for a ‘fair’ immigration system while advocating for the digital IDs at a progressive leaders’ conference. He clearly stated, ‘You won’t be able to work in the UK without a digital ID.’
Mr. Jones elaborated, ‘A functioning digital ID system with public support will serve as the cornerstone of a modern state, facilitating substantial reforms in public services.’
The proposed system would require workers to maintain a digital ID on their smartphones, which they could be requested to present. This ID would serve as the definitive verification of one’s identity and residency in the UK, containing data such as name, date of birth, photo, nationality, and residency status.
However, shadow pensions secretary Helen Whately said the move would not prevent illegal working.
‘We’re hearing about people working in the grey economy [where jobs are hidden from the state] being paid in cash, being often paid well below the minimum wage,’ she told Sky News.
‘This is not about law-abiding employees failing to be able to identify whether people’s ID is legal or not, they’re not even checking ID.’
During his speech, Sir Keir said progressive politicians have been ‘squeamish’ about saying things that are ‘clearly true’.
‘For too many years, it’s been too easy for people to come here, slip into the shadow economy and remain here illegally because, frankly, we have been squeamish about saying things that are clearly true.’
The PM added: ‘It’s not compassionate Left-wing politics to rely on labour that exploits foreign workers and undercuts fair wages.’
A petition against the introduction of digital ID cards has surpassed 1 million signatures
But the ID card plan has been criticised by opposition parties and civil liberties campaigners who argue it is increasing the power of the state.
Reform UK called the plans a ‘cynical ploy’ designed to ‘fool’ voters into thinking something is being done about immigration.
Tory leader Kemi Badenoch also dismissed the plans as a ‘gimmick that will do nothing to stop the boats’.
The Liberal Democrats said they would fight ‘tooth and nail’ against the ‘nonsensical’ plans.
The move – previously rolled out and then halted by Tony Blair – was seized on by the former PM’s think-tank, who called for ministers to go further.
Alexander Iosad, from the Tony Blair Institute, said digital IDs should be the ‘gateway’ to showing people the state was on their side.
He said that while it was important to combat illegal migration and criminal gangs, the scheme should also be used to store information about a person centrally.
Mr Iosad added: ‘This is the moment of opportunity to deliver it – it must not be missed.’
