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Political reporter Paul Seddon has reported that Sir Keir Starmer is set to outline plans for a compulsory digital ID scheme across the UK in an upcoming speech. The proposal aims to combat illegal working and bring about modernization in government operations. While details of the scheme will be open for consultation, consideration will be given to making it accessible for individuals without a smartphone or passport. It is worth noting that a similar initiative by the previous Labour government for ID cards was obstructed by the Conservative-Liberal Democrat coalition.
In a recent interview, Sir Keir expressed his belief that the discourse surrounding digital identities has evolved over the years, attributing this shift to the increased adoption of digital IDs in various aspects of daily life. The government is reportedly looking to leverage this new scheme to verify individuals’ rights to reside and work in the country by cross-referencing their digital IDs with a central database. The ongoing discussions around the implementation of a digital ID scheme signify a departure from Labour’s electoral platform in the previous year and a shift in the government’s stance, which previously rebuffed similar proposals put forth by former Prime Minister Tony Blair.
While proponents of the mandatory digital ID scheme emphasize its potential to streamline access to government services, concerns have been raised by opposition figures regarding the far-reaching implications of such a system. Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch has cautioned that the introduction of compulsory ID warrants a comprehensive national deliberation. Similarly, Reform UK has decried the initiative as a deceptive tactic to address illegal immigration without addressing its root causes adequately. The Liberal Democrats have expressed reservations about endorsing a mandatory digital ID system, emphasizing the importance of protecting individuals’ civil liberties in the face of evolving technological measures.
In the realm of employment, the UK already has mechanisms in place to verify individuals’ eligibility to work in the country, particularly since 2022 when digital verification services were introduced for British and Irish citizens. The government has been gradually transitioning to online verification for non-British or Irish citizens, reducing the reliance on physical documentation. However, the prospect of mandating a digital ID for verification purposes has ignited concerns among civil liberties advocates, who caution against the potential privacy infringements and surveillance implications associated with such a system
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