Keir Starmer is preparing to introduce digital identity cards known as “BritCards” for adults in the UK as a measure to combat illegal migration. The Prime Minister is anticipated to announce this initiative in an upcoming speech, enabling the verification of an individual’s right to reside and work in the UK.
Under the proposed system, every adult would be required to possess a digital ID, which can be stored in a GOV.UK smartphone application. This digital ID would be essential for job applications and rental processes in the UK, where it would be cross-checked with a central database of individuals authorized to live and work in the country.
The introduction of these digital ID cards aims to streamline the process of verifying immigration status, ultimately discouraging illegal employment practices, particularly in sectors like delivery services, and clamping down on unscrupulous landlords.
While the idea of ID cards has been championed by former Prime Minister Tony Blair for some time, the Government had previously dismissed the notion. However, a recent report from the think-tank Labour Together was forwarded to No10’s policy unit during the summer, reigniting the discussion.
According to Labour Together, these ID cards would be issued at no cost to all individuals entitled to reside and work in the UK. The estimated setup cost ranges from £140 million to £400 million.
Apart from enhancing identity verification processes, the digital ID cards could offer additional consumer conveniences, such as eliminating the need to carry a passport when collecting deliveries at the Post Office. Furthermore, there are considerations for using the cards as a valid form of identification 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. The Prime Minister recently expressed support for the potential role of an ID card system in curbing illegal migration, noting the evolution of digital identity over the past two decades compared to the discussions during the previous Labour government.
In a statement to the BBC, the Prime Minister highlighted the increased prevalence of digital identification in contemporary society and its evolving significance.
