POLITICIANS have offered a mixed response after it emerged the Labour Government is set to announce compulsory Digital ID for all UK adults.
Keir Starmer is expected to make the announcement as early as Friday, which would see the so-called "Brit Card" provide proof of an individual's right to live and work in the UK.
The announcement marks the latest U-turn from Labour, after the Prime Minister explicitly ruled out the policy just after winning the General Election last year.
Figures from across the political spectrum have responded both positively and negatively to the news, with some calling the policy a "dystopian mess".
Independent MP Jeremy Corbyn, former Labour leader and co-founder of Your Party, branded the plans as "excessive state interference".
He wrote on Twitter/X: "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."
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.
— Jeremy Corbyn (@jeremycorbyn) September 25, 2025
Richard Burgon was one of several Labour MPs to express concern, writing that he would not be supporting his Government's plans.
He said: "Tony Blair has been pushing this agenda for more than two decades, always using one excuse or another to justify it.
"It's never been fully implemented – and we must make sure it's stopped this time too."
Fellow Labour MP Clive Lewis also opposed the plans, writing: "Any trade unions, civil society orgs and campaign groups opposing this dystopian mess – count me in."
Reacting to the news, SNP MP Pete Wishart wrote: "Roll up, roll up, Scotland. Get your Brit Card here. It'll keep you safe, except from us....."
Roll up, roll up, Scotland. Get your Brit Card here. It'll keep you safe, except from us.....https://t.co/1uwh2aizrb
— Pete Wishart (@PeteWishart) September 25, 2025
The plans were also criticised by figures on the political right, including former prime minister Liz Truss who branded Digital ID a "terrible, authoritarian scheme".
Meanwhile, MP Rupert Lowe – who was suspended from Reform UK earlier this year – said: "Say NO to digital ID."
Meanwhile, former SNP MP Stewart McDonald said Digital ID cards are "perfectly normal" across Europe, although he branded the term "Brit Card" as "something that's come from a whiteboard in The Thick Of It".
Exactly this. ID cards are perfectly normal across Europe and have support with the public. If they want maximum buy-in then getting it right counts. ‘Brit Card’ is like something that’s come from a whiteboard in The Thick Of It. https://t.co/okpV2WLjqC
— Stewart McDonald (@StewartMcDonald) September 25, 2025
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch said the plans were "a desperate gimmick that will do nothing to stop the boats".
She said: "There are arguments for and against digital ID, but mandating its use would be a very serious step that requires a proper national debate."
