US EditionGovernment U-turns on mandatory digital ID cards for workers
The UK government will keep mandatory digital right-to-work checks but make the new digital ID optional, responding to political opposition and public concerns, with support dropping to 31%.
- On Tuesday night , Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer abandoned plans for mandatory digital ID cards to verify right to work in the United Kingdom.
- Facing strong pushback from MPs and campaigners, public support fell from 53% to 31%, and a petition with more than 3,000,000 signatures pressured ministers to step back.
- Technical briefs showed the ID would include personal data such as name, date of birth, nationality, and a photo, stored on mobile phones using wallet-style secure technology linked to a central database.
- A government spokesperson insisted, `We are committed to mandatory digital right to work checks`, while opponents called the change another U-turn and accused Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer of spinelessness, marking Labour Government's 13th policy reversal.
- Officials said a full public consultation will launch shortly, and the Cabinet Office confirmed the scheme is due to go live in 2029 with digital ID voluntary in other cases and some voluntary uses possibly introduced before 2029.
61 Articles
61 Articles
UK drops plans for mandatory digital ID for workers
Britain is reportedly set to abandon plans for mandatory digital identity documents for workers, a policy aimed at curbing illegal migration. The government stated that details of the digital ID scheme will be released after a public consultation, with current checks described as prone to fraud. This potential U-turn follows other recent policy adjustments by the Labour government.
Christopher Hope issues verdict on 'real reason' behind Digital ID U-turn
This is the moment GB News' Political Editor Christopher Hope outlined his thoughts on Labour's motivations in scrapping Digital ID - the 13th major U-turn under Sir Keir Starmer.Ministers are understood to be considering making the planned digital ID "Right to Work" checks voluntary rather than compulsory in 2029.And now, Chris has told Late Show Live host Bev Turner what Labour may be trying to do."The Government is trying to, in my words, str…
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