UK (Parliament Politics Magazine) – Chris Philp says the Tories will consider compulsory digital ID cards to verify access to state services and tackle illegal migration.
Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp said the party will “very carefully” consider plans to introduce digital ID cards to access public services.
Chris Philp’s views on digital ID cards
Chris Philp argued that introducing ID cards would make it easier for citizens to verify their identity when accessing government-funded services. He called it “a very strong case.”
He warned that the policy could raise privacy concerns and should be carefully reviewed.
Mr Philp stated that it was a
“legitimate and valid debate to have, and I think any responsible party should think about it very carefully.”
When asked if the measure was being considered by the Conservatives, Mr Philp responded,
“I think any government of this country has to be prepared to do whatever it takes to protect our borders from illegal migration.”
He said,
“We have seen this year, so far, 2025 has been the worst year in history for illegal immigrants crossing the Channel, partly because the Labour Government cancelled the Rwanda scheme with no replacement.”
When questioned about the potential inclusion of ID cards in future Tory policies, he replied,
“I think it is certainly something we should be considering very carefully.”
Mr Philp said,
“I think there is a very strong case to say that if someone is trying to make a claim from the state which other taxpayers fund, for example claiming benefits, using the NHS, something like that, then I think there is a very strong case to say you should have to prove your identity if you are using a service that taxpayers pay for.”
He stated,
“Now, to go one step beyond that and say there should be compulsory, universal ID cards does get you into questions around civil liberties and personal freedom and is that excessive intrusion by the state on the one hand, against knowing exactly who everybody is on the other.”
The shadow secretary said,
“I think that is a legitimate and valid debate to have, and I think any responsible party should think about it very carefully.”
Chris Philp’s views on the UK-France migrant deal
Chris Philp has claimed that under the UK-France agreement, only around 6% of those arriving illegally in Britain will be eligible to be returned to France.
He argued,
“We know if migrants claim to be under 18, they won’t get removed. And they can make modern slavery or human rights claims that will also prevent their return to France. So I suspect this will get mired in endless legal wrangling.”
Mr Philp expressed strong reservations about the Home Office’s new scheme allowing migrants in France to apply for legal entry to the UK under the one-in, one-out policy.
He added,
“The French Government might know they’ve got criminal convictions, they might be extremists, they might even be suspected terrorists, and the French Government will not be sharing any of that information at all with the UK Government. So we know effectively nothing about the people coming over here.”
What did Kemi Badenoch say about digital identity cards?
Tory leader Kemi Badenoch stated,
“I’ve actually moved a little bit on digital identity, mainly because every other company seems to have so many of our details.”
She said,
“Google, the supermarkets, they all know so much about us, even more than the Government. If this is something that will help us solve other problems, then yes.”
Ms Badenoch added,
“We’re not here just to oppose every single thing the Government does, we want them to have good ideas. If they can show us that this is a good idea, then I think we’ll support them.”
What could Labour’s proposed “BritCard” mean for border control?
In a policy paper, Labour Together proposed introducing a digital “BritCard,” available for free download on smartphones.
They argued it would help tackle illegal migration and make it easier for citizens to access government services without repeated ID checks.
Opponents say Britain’s lack of a central ID system has contributed to the rise of a black market in employment, attracting undocumented migrants seeking work.
Which previous government tried to launch ID cards?
Labour introduced ID cards in 2009, but the Tory-led coalition later scrapped the scheme, describing it as a threat to civil liberties.
Former Prime Minister Tony Blair remains a firm supporter of compulsory ID cards.
Ex-Home Secretary Lord Blunkett also supports them, seeing the cards as a way to tackle illegal migration.
Digital ID card
Digital ID can help people to use government services such as tax and driving licences. It can also assist in opening a bank account or getting a job by working as a trusted form of ID.
Some argue it could violate their privacy, especially if health records are included. Others argue it may be hard for those who don’t have internet or aren’t good with technology.