Keir Starmer is preparing to introduce digital identification cards for all adults in the UK as part of efforts to address illegal migration issues. The Prime Minister is anticipated to announce this initiative in a speech on Friday, aiming to crack down on individuals who evade detection in the underground economy while residing in the country unlawfully.
The proposed “BritCards” are not mandatory, but they will be necessary for adults when applying for jobs or renting accommodations in the UK, essentially making them a compulsory requirement. These digital IDs will enable employers and landlords to verify an individual’s right to reside and work in the UK more efficiently by facilitating checks on immigration status.
The digital IDs will be stored on smartphones using the GOV.UK wallet app, allowing for validation against a central database of individuals authorized to live and work in the UK. Provision will be made for alternative IDs for those without smartphones, such as elderly citizens.
Apart from aiding in immigration status checks, it is envisioned that the ID cards will offer additional benefits to users, including serving as proof of age for alcohol purchases and identity verification for collecting deliveries at the Post Office.
Former Prime Minister Tony Blair has advocated for ID cards for a considerable time, although the government had previously indicated no plans to introduce them. The proposal has met with some criticism due to concerns about data privacy and potential digital exclusion of specific demographics, such as the elderly, impoverished individuals, and persons with disabilities. The implementation plan will undergo consultation and legislative processes, with further details on the ID card rollout timeline expected.
The Prime Minister is reportedly committed to advancing the scheme to demonstrate robust measures to address illegal migration, particularly in response to the escalating numbers of Channel crossings. Since taking office, the Labour government has intensified enforcement against illegal employment, including cracking down on asylum seekers employed by delivery services like Deliveroo, Just Eat, and Uber Eats.
By simplifying the verification of immigration status for employers, alongside other strategies, it is hoped that the new system will contribute to combating smuggling operations that exploit job opportunities to facilitate illegal entries.
During a speech at the Global Progressive Action Conference in London, preceding the Labour Party’s annual conference in Liverpool, Mr. Starmer is expected to emphasize the importance of controlling borders and preventing the exploitation of foreign workers to maintain fair wages.
French President Emmanuel Macron has reiterated the necessity for the UK to reduce incentives for migrants to cross into the country. Cabinet Minister Pat McFadden recently suggested that digital IDs could support efforts to curb small boat crossings, drawing insights from Estonia’s successful implementation of digital ID cards.
A report by think-tank Labour Together, closely associated with the government, proposed issuing the ID cards free of charge to eligible individuals, estimating initial setup costs between £140 million and £400 million. The Prime Minister has acknowledged the potential of an ID card system to play a crucial role in curbing illegal migration, noting technological advancements since previous debates on the issue in the early 2000s.
The introduction of the GOV.UK app for smartphones in June marked the initial step toward a comprehensive digital document management system, with future plans to incorporate various government-issued documents into the GOV.UK wallet. The development of digital Veterans’ Cards and pilot testing of digital driver’s licenses are expected in the near future.
The Director of Government Innovation at the Tony Blair Institute, Alexander Iosad, highlighted the transformative potential of a universal digital ID system in enhancing public services and fostering trust among British citizens. Liberal Democrat tech spokesperson Victoria Collins expressed reservations about mandatory digital IDs, citing concerns over privacy infringement and digital exclusion among vulnerable populations.
Campaign groups like Big Brother Watch have raised objections to mandatory digital ID, emphasizing risks to privacy, security, and equality. They argue that marginalized groups and individuals with limited digital access could face challenges under a centralized digital ID scheme, potentially exposing sensitive data to cybersecurity threats.
Overall, the proposed rollout of digital ID cards in the UK has sparked a mix of anticipation, skepticism, and calls for thorough consideration of privacy and inclusivity concerns.