Keir Starmer Digital ID Cards: PM Pushes Mandatory System Despite Political Pushback
The UK government is pressing ahead with plans for an obligatory digital ID system, anticipated to be available to all citizens by 2029. Prime Minister Keir Starmer has framed the action as both a security measure and a convenience for everyday life.
He said, “I know working people are worried about the level of illegal migration into this country. A secure border and controlled migration are reasonable demands, and this government is listening and delivering.
“Digital ID is an enormous opportunity for the UK. It will make it tougher to work illegally in this country, making our borders more secure.
And it will also offer ordinary citizens countless benefits, like being able to prove your identity to access key services swiftly, rather than hunting around for an old utility bill.”
The proposed system, dubbed ‘Brit-Cards’, would allow users to verify their right to live and work in the UK via a smartphone app, checked against a central government database. The cards will be compulsory for employment and rental applications.
A detailed overview of the key functions and implementation plans of the BritCard, offering insight into how it will affect everyday life.
Sir Keir will officially unveil the plans at the Global Progress Action Summit in London, alongside Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney.
But opposition is vocal. Reform UK dismissed the initiative as a “cynical ploy” aimed at giving the impression that the government is tackling immigration, while Conservative Minister Kemi Badenoch called it a “gimmick that will do nothing to stop the boats.” Nigel Farage’s party labelled the proposal “laughable,” questioning its real-world impact.
Say NO to a UK Digital ID! pic.twitter.com/c63mHIsluo
— Nigel Farage MP (@Nigel_Farage) September 25, 2025
Earlier this month, Starmer wrote: “This Government will make a new, free of charge, digital ID that will be mandatory for the right to work by the end of this Parliament.”
The Prime Minister has suggested digital IDs could form a critical part of efforts to reduce illegal migration, which remains a pressing issue, with Home Office figures reporting 1,157 people arriving on small boats in the past week. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has also expressed support for the policy.
Critics warn the scheme could be intrusive and burdensome. The Liberal Democrats have voiced privacy concerns, emphasising that requiring digital IDs could disproportionately affect older adults, disabled people, and those living in poverty.
Victoria Collins, the party’s technology spokeswoman, said: “People shouldn’t be turned into criminals just because they can’t have a digital ID, or choose not to.
This will be especially worrying to millions of older people, people living in poverty and disabled people who are more likely to be digitally excluded.”
For those unable or unwilling to adopt a digital format, a physical card may be provided. However, historical precedent shows mandatory ID has only existed during wartime.
Former Prime Minister Tony Blair, who once attempted to introduce a voluntary ID system, has renewed calls for digital IDs as a “gateway to government services.”
A spokesperson from the Tony Blair Institute added: “Digital ID can and should be a gateway to government services, whether that’s reporting potholes or even voting.”
Northern Ireland First Minister Michelle O’Neill criticised the plan, saying it is “ill-thought out” and infringes on Irish citizens’ rights in Northern Ireland.
Civil liberties group Big Brother Watch echoed concerns, launching a petition that has already gathered over 101,000 signatures.
Their letter to Starmer argued that mandatory digital ID would fail to tackle unauthorised migration effectively and could push migrants into unsafe conditions.
The government is expected to conduct consultations and introduce legislation before rolling out the cards. Starmer’s team frames it as a step towards safer borders and streamlined citizen services, but with growing political resistance, the initiative faces an uphill battle in winning public and parliamentary approval.
