UK, Ireland Discuss Mandatory Digital ID Impacting Cross-Border Workers Amid Northern Ireland Opposition

The UK government plans to introduce a mandatory digital ID scheme, called the "Brit-card," by 2029 for all individuals working in the UK, aiming to combat illegal migration. Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn confirmed ongoing discussions with the Irish government to ensure the scheme respects the Good Friday Agreement, allowing people in Northern Ireland to identify as British, Irish, or both, and to maintain the Common Travel Area's free movement. Despite these assurances, the proposal faces unanimous opposition from Northern Ireland's main political parties, including Sinn Féin, the DUP, the Ulster Unionist Party, Alliance, and the SDLP, who raise concerns about civil liberties, the scheme's effectiveness, and potential breaches of the Good Friday Agreement. Benn emphasized that the government will conduct consultations and seeks to make the system work practically, highlighting the importance of cooperation with Dublin to address cross-border worker implications. While Benn defended the scheme as "the future," he refrained from confirming whether Northern Ireland would have a bespoke digital ID arrangement distinct from the rest of the UK. The government aims to have the ID system operational before 2029, with consultations expected to open later this year.