DIGITAL ID is to be made law for all adults in the UK in a screeching U-turn from the Labour Government.
Keir Starmer is expected to announce the full plans later this week, with LBC reporting that an announcement could be made on Friday, despite Labour having explicitly ruled the policy out just after winning the General Election.
The proposals are part of the UK Government’s plans to tackle illegal migration, with the hopes that the so-called "Brit Card" will provide proof of an individual’s right to live and work in the UK.
Before officially being rolled out, the digital ID cards will be subject to consultation and would require legislation to be passed in the House of Commons.
If passed, individuals starting new jobs would be expected to have a digital ID, which would then be checked against a central database to ensure they have the right to work in the UK. A digital card will also be required to rent a home.
At present, all new-start employees must present a physical form of ID, such as a passport or driver's license, though Sky News reports there are concerns within the UK Government over the ability to produce fraudulent documents.
Once digital ID cards are rolled out, immigration enforcement staff could use the system to see which checks have been completed and use it to trace individuals working illegally.
Former human rights lawyer Starmer was initially against the proposed legislation, though he has reportedly been won over by other world leaders, including French president Emmanuel Macron.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has also offered her support for the plans.
It comes shortly after a tech deal between the US and UK was signed during Donald Trump's second state visit, with the UK Government later panned for investing in IDF-linked spy firm Palantir.
Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper previously said the Government would not be introducing the cards. In July 2024, she said: "That's not our approach."
And now-Chief Whip Jonathan Reynolds said at the same time: "We can rule that out, that's not something that's part of our plans."
The plans were put forward in June by think tank Labour Together, and critics have argued that the IDs could infringe on people's privacy.
Former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn said: "I firmly oppose the government’s plans for compulsory digital ID cards.
"This is an affront to our civil liberties, and will make the lives of minorities even more difficult and dangerous.
"It is excessive state interference — and must be resisted."
