On Friday, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer revealed government plans to introduce a nationwide digital ID system, aimed at curbing illegal immigration. However, the proposal faces considerable resistance in a country with a long-standing aversion to identity cards.
The proposed digital ID would be stored on individuals’ smartphones, and the government clarified that there would be no legal obligation to carry or present it in everyday situations.
Despite this, it would become mandatory for verifying the right to work in the UK.
“Let me make this clear — you will not be able to work in the United Kingdom without a digital ID,” Starmer said in a speech on Friday. “It’s that simple. Decent, pragmatic, fair-minded people want us to address the real issues they see in their communities.”
The Labour government aims to roll out the system by the end of the current parliamentary term in 2029. Officials say the ID will also simplify access to public services such as driving licences, childcare, welfare, and tax records.
Starmer promoted the initiative as part of a broader agenda to modernise Britain and respond to public demands for practical reform.
“Digital ID represents a major opportunity for the UK,” he said. “It also brings practical benefits for ordinary citizens.”
“We’re putting in the hard work to build a fairer Britain — one focused on change, not division.”
The UK does not currently require national ID cards, nor does it maintain a central civilian registry. A previous attempt by Tony Blair’s Labour government to introduce voluntary ID cards was scrapped in 2011 by the Conservative-led government.
Currently, UK citizens rely on passports, driving licences, or utility bills for identification in most situations.
Political Opposition and Public Response
The proposal has sparked backlash from across the political spectrum. Kemi Badenoch, a senior figure in the opposition Conservative Party, wrote on X (formerly Twitter):
“We will oppose any move by the government to enforce mandatory ID cards on law-abiding citizens. We won’t support any system that either mandates participation or limits the rights of those who choose not to take part.”
The Liberal Democrats also voiced opposition, stating they “cannot support a mandatory digital ID that compels people to hand over personal data just to live their everyday lives.”
Nigel Farage, leader of Reform UK — currently polling strongly — said:
“I see no benefit to the government having digital ID, except to control how we live, spend, and travel.”
Despite political resistance, public opinion appears to lean in favour of the policy. A petition against digital ID cards had garnered over 825,000 signatures by early Friday, yet recent polls suggest a majority of the public supports the idea.
The government has pledged to consult widely before implementation.
“We will listen to a range of views on how the service should be delivered,” a statement said, adding that the scheme would be made accessible to those without smartphones.
The upcoming public consultation will include input from digitally marginalised groups such as older people and the homeless, with the government aiming to learn from international best practices.
