UK (Parliament Politics Magazine) – British PM Sir Keir Starmer says digital ID scheme will tackle illegal working and curb migrant inflows, amid concerns over privacy and enforcement.
As reported by The Independent, Keir Starmer said digital IDs will prevent illegal employment and discourage migrant arrivals.
The Prime Minister announced plans for a new mandatory ID system for UK workers, set to be implemented by 2029.
Ministers insist the ID will initially prove the right to work in Britain, though it could later be expanded to access public services.
What did Keir Starmer say about mandatory digital IDs and illegal work?
Sir Keir Starmer claimed he is “absolutely convinced” that migrants travel through France because illegal work opportunities are easier in the UK.
During BBC interviews, when asked if employers hiring illegally would require ID, he responded,
“We must be really clear. You must have ID, mandatory digital ID, in order to work, because we have to stop illegal working.”
Mr Starmer said,
“If you look at any of the raids – we’ve massively increased the number of raids on working premises – it is absolutely clear that people are working illegally.”
According to him, the ID scheme will gather data automatically to help the government track employment and enforce existing laws.
He said,
“But there’s no point people saying to me, ‘why do we need it?’ when we all acknowledge there is a problem.”
Mr Starmer stated,
“People are working illegally in our economy. It is amongst the reasons that people want to come to the United Kingdom, we have to deal with that. I made a pledge that we would do whatever was necessary, use whatever tools were available to deal with illegal migration. I intend to do so.”
Bell Ribeiro-Addy’s stance on digital IDs and public concerns
The MP for Clapham and Brixton Hill, Bell Ribeiro-Addy, said the petition to Parliament highlighted strong resistance to the move.
She said,
“People don’t want to see this, and also they don’t understand it. What is the purpose of it? Now, I know there are many other countries that have these ID cards, but that hasn’t stopped the type of working that we’re talking about.”
Ms Ribeiro-Addy highlighted that British citizens and migrants already have ways to verify their work eligibility, raising concerns over personal data safety.
She said,
“Migrants already have these biometric ID cards, and actually, what’s going to happen? We’re going to have this card. We don’t know which private company we’re going to hand it over to and how much profit they’re going to make from this.”
The Labour MP added,
“All these issues of people’s data and their civil liberties. And actually, for what? The types of working we’re trying to stop are not going to stop – the cash-in-hand type working. Those types of people that create that irregular type of work, they’re not going to be asking people for their digital ID card.”
The government aims to store digital IDs on phones like contactless payment cards or the NHS app, though people will not be required to carry or show them.
Keir Starmer’s views on Reform UK’s migrant reapplication plan
Labour leader called Reform UK’s plan to make settled migrants reapply under stricter rules “racist” and “immoral,” warning it could “rip the country apart.”
He said,
“Well, I do think that it is a racist policy. I do think it is immoral. It needs to be called out for what it is.”
When questioned whether Reform is appealing to racists, he responded that many of its supporters are simply frustrated voters.
Mr Starmer stated,
“They had 14 years of failure under the Conservatives, they want us to change things. They may have voted Labour a year ago, and they want the change to come more quickly. I actually do understand that.”
Keir Starmer’s stance on Labour’s fight against Reform UK
Keir Starmer called on his party to back him in the “fight of our lives” against Nigel Farage’s Reform UK.
He acknowledged public frustration over the delay in delivering the changes promised in last year’s general election.
Mr Starmer insisted he could turn the situation around and urged Labour to end “navel-gazing” amid speculation over his leadership.
Ahead of the party’s conference in Liverpool, Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer said there is “much hard work” to deliver on last year’s election promises.
Labour members’ support for Keir Starmer
A recent survey shows that over half of Labour members oppose Keir Starmer leading the party into the next election.
A Survation poll for LabourList revealed that 53% of Labour members want a new leader, while just 31% want Starmer to continue. The poll suggests a majority of members want a new leader.