The British government has revised its plans for mandatory digital identification cards, following substantial public backlash. Originally proposed as a measure to enhance immigration control, the policy faced immediate criticism from both opposition parties and members of the ruling Labour Party. On Wednesday, officials confirmed that it will no longer be mandatory for citizens and residents to present a digital ID card to secure employment, abandoning a central component of the policy first announced in September 2023.
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander stated in an interview with the BBC that the digital ID could still serve as a means to verify eligibility for work, alongside other documents like biometric passports. The government plans to present detailed proposals for the digital ID scheme following a comprehensive public consultation, which will commence shortly.
When Keir Starmer unveiled the digital ID initiative in September, he declared, “You will not be able to work in the United Kingdom if you do not have digital ID. It’s as simple as that.” He argued that the measure would deter unauthorized immigration by making it more difficult for individuals to participate in the underground economy. Additionally, Starmer suggested that the initiative would streamline access to health care, welfare, child care, and other public services.
Despite these intentions, support for the digital ID concept plummeted soon after Starmer’s endorsement. The UK has not mandated identity cards for ordinary citizens since shortly after World War II, and the idea has consistently sparked debate. Civil rights advocates argue that such cards infringe on personal freedoms and jeopardize the security of individuals’ private information.
This is not the first time the UK has grappled with the concept of compulsory identification. Former Prime Minister Tony Blair attempted to introduce biometric ID cards two decades ago to combat terrorism and fraud, but the proposal was ultimately scrapped following significant public and parliamentary opposition.
In light of the government’s recent policy shift, opposition Conservative Party chairman Kevin Hollinrake criticized the Labour Party, stating that “Labour’s only consistent policy is retreat.” Lisa Smart, a spokesperson for the Liberal Democrats, quipped that Starmer’s office “must be bulk-ordering motion sickness tablets at this rate to cope with all their U-turns.”
As the public consultation unfolds, it remains to be seen how the government will navigate the complexities surrounding digital identification and the concerns it raises among various stakeholders.
