Digital IDs ‘vital for border security’, says Starmer

United Kingdom-Prime Minister Keir Starmer has said new digital identity plans will make it harder for people to work illegally in the UK and strengthen the country’s border security.

Writing in the Daily Telegraph, Mr Starmer argued that previous governments, including Labour, had “shied away” from addressing illegal immigration concerns but insisted his party must now confront “every aspect of the problem”.

Under the proposals, anyone starting a new job would be required to present a digital ID. The full details of the scheme are expected to be outlined later today.

Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch criticised the plan as a “desperate gimmick”, while the Liberal Democrats warned it could compromise citizens’ privacy.

Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy defended the move, telling BBC Radio 4’s Today programme that it was “an important measure to help tackle the illegal economy”. She stressed the system would be compulsory in the government database but said individuals would not be required to carry digital IDs on their mobile phones.

“This isn’t a card people will have to show when moving around,” she said. “But it will be a more rigid system. At present, your national insurance number isn’t linked to a photo ID, so it’s far easier to pass off someone else’s number as your own.”

She added that if challenged, individuals would need to show their digital ID to prove their right to work in the UK.

Labour sources say the proposals are designed to create a clear political dividing line with opponents on immigration and security ahead of the government’s broader policy agenda.