Labour Party Proposes Mandatory Digital IDs in UK to Curb Illegal Immigration

In the past, labour-focused political groups, including Sir Keir Starmer’s affiliation, have avoided directly addressing the topic of immigration, he acknowledges. The prime minister is clear in his belief that a comprehensive strategy to combat the illegal immigration problem is not just desirable, but essential. Reflecting on the political landscape, Sir Keir posits that leftist parties ‘have spent years neglecting the public’s concerns regarding undocumented immigration’. He puts forward a striking assertion: ‘Our country has been rather effortless to infiltrate, live and work under the guise of the unofficial economy, and maintain an illegal status’.

Introducing a solution to this problem, Sir Keir announces that the Labour party plans to roll out a mandatory digital ID for all adults with the right to work before the end of the current parliamentary term. This would stipulate that anyone seeking employment or looking for a rental property would need to present this ‘Brit card’ via a smartphone application for verification. This method would cross-reference the database of individuals who are legally permitted to live and be gainfully employed in the UK.

One of the primary objectives of this initiative is to decrease the allure of working illegally in the country, which could resultantly impact various sectors, including delivery companies. The current protocol calls for workers to furnish at least one form of physical identification, but anxieties persist over the possible forgery of such IDs.

The government views the digital ID as a streamlined solution that would eventually simplify the application processes associated with services like driving licenses, welfare assistance, and childcare. As part of the scheme’s ongoing development, a consultation will investigate how it could be leveraged for those who might not possess a smartphone – including groups like the elderly and the homeless.

The case of undocumented immigration in the UK is not isolated but has international connections. Emmanuel Macron, the President of France, has consistently cautioned the UK about the absence of ID cards, suggesting it serves as a significant incentive for illegal Channel crossings. His belief is rooted in the idea that migrants might see opportunities to join the shadow economy in the country.

Keir Starmer will share deeper insights into the scheme during a forthcoming address. The anticipation of his words echoes his party’s decisive stance: that entrance into the UK and association with the shadow economy has been comparatively easy for too long, a situation that must be remedied.

The Prime Minister is also slated to weigh in, stating: ‘Resorting to exploitative labour practices that take advantage of foreign workers and undermine fair wages does not equate to left-wing compassion.’ He underscores the crucial sentiment that every country requires a certain degree of control over its borders.

As Pioneer of the Labour Party, Sir Keir encourages those identifying as progressive to introspect, challenging them to tackle situations where they had previously sidestepped public concerns. His message to newcomers intending to earn a livelihood in the UK is unabashed: exhibiting the digital ID would be compulsory.

For all other British citizens, while the possession of the identification would be mandatory, showcasing it would be optional. Keir Starmer posits that people should have the right to decide whether or not they wish to use the digital identification card – thereby instating a principle of choice.

This approach towards immigration control signals a significant policy shift, especially as ministers had dismissed such an idea only last year. The 2010 election saw Labour lose dominance, with both the Tories and the Liberal Democrats opposing their stance at that time.

However, this concept of a digital ID program has historically faced opposition from civil liberty campaigners and privacy advocates. Previous concerns tabled by Sir Keir himself align with theirs. Yet, a shift in position seems to have been triggered by an unprecedented surge in small boat arrivals in the country.

Nonetheless, resistance persists. Big Brother Watch for instance, fears that the introduction of ID cards could lead to a society that is markedly un-British and excessively driven by checkpoints. Similarly, both Reform UK and the Tories argue that digital IDs, in fact, may not result in a decrease in small boat immigrations.