UK (Parliament Politics Magazine) – A petition against the UK Government’s digital ID cards has surpassed 1.5 million signatures, amid concerns over privacy and state surveillance plans.
As reported by The Standard, a campaign urging the Government to halt digital ID cards has exceeded 1.5 million signatures.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer revealed plans to introduce a compulsory ID system for people working in the UK by 2029.
How is the UK public responding to plans for digital ID cards?
A petition opposes the Government’s digital ID card proposal, warning,
“We think this would be a step towards mass surveillance and digital control, and that no one should be forced to register with a state-controlled ID system.”
Within one hour on Saturday, the petition gained more than 6,500 signatures, surpassing 1.56 million total entries.
Any petition to the UK Government receiving over 100,000 signatures will be eligible for debate in Parliament.
Darren Jones’ stance on the future of digital ID in the UK
Officials indicated the ID system’s primary purpose is to verify individuals’ right to work in the UK, aiming to reduce illegal immigration.
Darren Jones, Chief Secretary to the Prime Minister and policy lead, said the digital ID system could have wider uses beyond work verification in the future.
He told the Global Progress Action summit in London,
“If we get this digital ID system working and the public being with us, that will be the bedrock of the modern state and will allow for really quite exciting public service reform in the future.”
What did Nigel Farage say about the UK digital ID plan?
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage has slammed the proposed scheme, describing it as “an anti-British card.”
He added,
“The Labour Government’s plan to impose digital ID cards on all adults will do nothing to combat illegal immigration. But it will give the state more power to control the British people.”
What did the Tory and Liberal Democrat leaders say about mandatory ID cards?
Kemi Badenoch, Conservative Party leader, said her party would resist efforts to enforce mandatory “ID cards on law-abiding citizens.”
Ed Davey, leader of the Liberal Democrats, described the scheme as “nonsensical” and confirmed the party will “fight against it tooth and nail.”
Keir Starmer’s views on the digital ID plan amid security concerns
The Prime Minister announced that mandatory digital IDs, including photos, names, dates of birth, nationalities, and residency information, will be introduced by July 2029.
He said,
“Digital ID is an enormous opportunity for the UK.”
Mr Starmer added,
“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.”
What did the government say about the security of the new digital ID system?
The government stated that the digital ID will be stored in the gov.uk smartphone wallet and protected by advanced encryption. They explained this is similar to how millions use the NHS App or contactless payments.
Officials said ‘Britcard,’ the new digital ID, will target illegal work from small boat crossings while also being used for welfare, driving licences, and childcare.
What did Liberty warn about digital IDs and privacy risks?
Liberty, a campaign group, warned digital IDs could turn into “a nightmarish surveillance system.”
It said,
“Technological advancements mean that digital ID systems pose an even greater risk to privacy than they did when last proposed in the 2000s.”
The group added,
“A single and unique ‘digital identity’ and centralising databases would remove much of the individual’s agency in managing their data. This information could be used to profile individuals across multiple datasets and would pose particular risks to marginalised communities.”
Which companies are behind the UK digital ID scheme?
Deloitte, BAE Systems, PA Consulting, and Hinduja Global Solutions already have £100m in contracts to build IT systems for the UK digital ID scheme, which could cost up to £2bn overall.
US technology firms, including Palantir, co-founded by Donald Trump donor Peter Thiel, are eyeing UK digital ID contracts, with Keir Starmer visiting the company in February.
Key facts about the illegal migrants in the UK
In the year ending June 2025, the UK saw 49,000 irregular arrivals, mostly via small boats. Afghan nationals were the largest group, followed by Eritrea, Iran, Syria, and Sudan.
Around 59% of asylum claims from small boat arrivals were granted. By the end of 2024, only 3% of these arrivals had been returned.