Starmer Plans Mandatory 'Brit‑Card' Digital ID

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer plans a mandatory UK‑wide digital ID—dubbed the 'Brit‑Card'—for all adults aimed at curbing illegal migration and verifying the right to live and work, with the announcement expected at an upcoming policy conference speech. The proposal, drawn from a Labour Together paper and linked to the gov.uk Wallet idea, would let people prove rights via a smartphone app checked against a central database. Ministers say it would modernise the state, reduce pull factors for irregular crossings and help prevent exploitation and Windrush‑style errors, while supporters point to models such as Estonia. It would likely require primary legislation and public consultation, including measures for people without smartphones or passports, and details remain limited. Opponents and civil‑liberties groups warn it would be a profound intrusion on privacy, and No.10 has not formally commented; the plan is expected to face legal, political and public debate before any rollout.