Over 1.6 Million Sign UK Petition Opposing Starmer's Digital ID Card Plan

A petition opposing the UK government's plan to introduce mandatory digital ID cards by 2029 has garnered over 1.6 million signatures, reflecting widespread public concern about privacy and state control. The digital ID system, announced by Prime Minister Keir Starmer, aims to verify individuals' Right to Work status and potentially expand to other public services, with the ID stored securely on a mobile app. Critics, including political figures like Nigel Farage and civil liberties groups, warn the scheme could lead to mass surveillance, government overreach, and exclusion of those without digital access. Cybersecurity experts also highlight the risks of consolidating identity data into a single system vulnerable to hacking. Starmer defends the plan as a tool to combat illegal immigration and streamline access to services, emphasizing the benefits for ordinary citizens. Despite assurances that the ID will not be routinely required to be carried, the proposal remains contentious with calls for parliamentary debate due to the volume of petition signatures.