UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has announced plans for a nationwide digital ID scheme aimed at reducing illegal working and streamlining access to public services. The announcement will be made during a speech on Friday as part of Labour’s efforts to address illegal immigration.
Writing in The Telegraph, Starmer acknowledged that left-wing parties, including Labour, have historically “shied away” from concerns around illegal immigration. He said the new digital ID system would strengthen border security while offering citizens easier access to services, such as driving licenses, welfare, and childcare, without repeatedly providing documentation.
“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,” Starmer said. He added that the system would allow people to prove their identity quickly, similar to contactless payment cards or the NHS app.
Downing Street clarified that individuals will not need to carry the digital ID physically; it will primarily serve to verify eligibility to work. Employers will continue to be responsible for conducting right-to-work checks.
Critics, including Shadow Work and Pensions Secretary Helen Whately, argued the scheme could add bureaucracy for law-abiding citizens and employers while doing little to curb illegal employment in the informal economy. Reform UK described the plan as a “cynical ploy,” and the Liberal Democrats said they could not support a mandatory system.
The scheme draws inspiration from international examples, such as Australia, where digital IDs are used for banking and other services, and India, which has reportedly saved $10 billion annually by reducing welfare fraud. In Denmark, students use digital IDs to access educational records.
The announcement comes amid rising migration, with more than 50,000 people arriving in the UK on small boats since Labour took office. Starmer framed the initiative as part of a broader effort to restore local power, fund under-resourced communities, and counter the appeal of populist parties, particularly Reform UK, which has gained traction in recent local elections.
Labour’s plans will be detailed at the Global Progress Action Summit in London on Friday, where leaders from over 20 countries will discuss migration, national security, and policies aimed at supporting working people. The party’s annual conference opens in Liverpool this weekend.