Prime Minister Keir Starmer has confirmed that his government will introduce a mandatory digital ID scheme before the end of this Parliament, making it illegal to work in the UK without one.
Speaking at the Global Progress Action Summit in London, Starmer said the new ID would be free of charge, stored on smartphones, and modeled on systems used in countries such as India, Australia, Estonia, and Denmark. “You will not be allowed to work in the United Kingdom if you do not have digital ID. It’s as simple as that,” he told the audience.
Downing Street has argued that the scheme will reduce fraud, cut down on illegal migration, and simplify checks for employers. Officials pointed to India’s Aadhaar program, which they said saved the government “around 10 billion dollars annually” by limiting fraud in welfare systems.
The new IDs are set to be rolled out by 2029 and will contain names, dates of birth, nationality or residency status, and a photograph as the basis for biometric security. The consultation will consider whether to include addresses or other details. The system will also allow credentials to be revoked and reissued if a phone is lost or stolen.
Labour ministers say the plan will make it harder for illegal immigrants to enter the shadow economy and will undercut criminal gangs trafficking workers into the UK. “It will send a clear message that if you come here illegally, you will not be able to work,” a Downing Street statement said.
Starmer also acknowledged that his party has been reluctant in the past to take a tough line on immigration. “For too many years, it’s been too easy for people to come here, slip into the shadow economy and remain here illegally. Because frankly, we’ve been squeamish about saying things that are clearly true,” he said.
The government says the scheme will be designed to include people without smartphones, with outreach support for vulnerable groups such as the elderly and homeless.
