Starmer Hails Digital ID Cards as an “Enormous Opportunity” Amid Privacy Concerns

Published: 26 September 2025, The English Chronicle Desk

Prime Minister Keir Starmer has described digital ID cards as “an enormous opportunity” for the United Kingdom, as the government prepares to unveil its proposals amid a growing civil liberties debate. The announcement comes ahead of a conference on progressive governance, where Starmer is set to outline how the UK can address challenges such as illegal migration while delivering benefits to ordinary citizens.

The proposals for a “Brit Card” would require new legislation and are already attracting criticism from civil liberties groups concerned about privacy and state overreach. In response to the criticism, Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy emphasised that the government had “no intention of pursuing a dystopian mess.”

Speaking at the conference, Starmer framed digital ID cards as a tool for both security and convenience. “I know working people are worried about the level of illegal migration into this country. A secure border and controlled migration are reasonable demands, and this government is listening and delivering,” he said. “Digital ID is an enormous opportunity for the UK. It will make it tougher to work illegally in this country, making our borders more secure. And it will also offer ordinary citizens countless benefits, like being able to prove your identity to access key services swiftly – rather than hunting around for an old utility bill.”

Writing in the Telegraph, the prime minister argued that left-wing parties, including Labour, had historically shied away from addressing public concerns about immigration. “It is now essential to tackle every aspect of the problem of illegal immigration,” Starmer wrote, stressing that concerns about immigration can be addressed without adopting what he called Reform UK’s “toxic” approach.

Despite these assurances, civil liberties advocates have voiced strong objections. Silkie Carlo, director of Big Brother Watch, warned that the introduction of digital ID cards could create a “checkpoint society that is wholly unBritish.” Carlo said: “Digital IDs would do absolutely nothing to deter small boats but would make Britain less free, creating a domestic mass surveillance infrastructure that will likely sprawl from citizenship to benefits, tax, health, possibly even internet data and more. Incredibly sensitive information about each and every one of us would be hoarded by the state and vulnerable to cyber-attacks. Starmer has no mandate to force the population to carry digital IDs and millions of us will simply not do it. The cost to the public purse will likely run into the billions, much like Blair’s failed scheme, but the cost to our freedoms would be even more serious. He is making an enormous mistake and should drop the plans sooner rather than later.”

Political opposition has also emerged. Nigel Farage’s Reform UK described the proposals as a “cynical ploy” aimed at misleading voters into believing the government is tackling immigration, while Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch dismissed the plans as a “gimmick that will do nothing to stop the boats.”

Downing Street has been exploring digital ID proposals since June, with the Guardian reporting that the initiative could also target illegal work, rogue landlords, and cases reminiscent of the Windrush scandal. The concept, drawn from a Labour Together paper submitted to No 10’s policy unit, suggested that a secure digital ID could help prevent immigration errors and reduce the number of visa overstayers, half of whom are estimated to remain in the UK after asylum claims are rejected.

The proposed Brit Card would be free and stored securely on a person’s smartphone via a planned gov.uk Wallet app, with verification available to employers, immigration authorities, banks, and landlords through free software. Officials have indicated that the system would build on the government’s existing “One Login” infrastructure, already used by citizens to access around 50 public services, from applying for professional roles to managing legal documents.

While Starmer emphasised the potential benefits of efficiency and security, the proposals have ignited a debate over privacy, civil liberties, and the balance between government oversight and individual freedoms. The coming weeks are expected to see intensified discussion as the legislative process unfolds and the UK public considers the implications of a nationwide digital ID system.