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UK PM to announce plans for digital ID | BBC News

2025-09-26 News & Politics
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UK Plans Compulsory Digital ID Scheme Tied to Employment Verification

The government intends to roll out a mandatory digital ID system for all UK workers to enhance border security and minimize illegal employment, but immediate opposition highlights major privacy risks inherent in the data collection.

Short Summary

  • The proposal requires every prospective employee to present a digital ID to prove their right to work, simplifying verification for employers currently dealing with easily faked documents.
  • Public polling reveals a slight edge in support (38% vs. 32%) for the general principle of digital IDs, though concerns about data security and specific information stored remain high.
  • Implementation hinges on upcoming legislative action following a three-month consultation, meaning the system will not be activated immediately.

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Description

The UK Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer, is expected to announce plans for a compulsory UK-wide digital ID scheme, in a speech on Friday. He said a digital ID will make it tougher to work in the UK illegally, and make the country's borders "more secure”. Under the proposal, anyone starting a new job would need to show the ID, the PM added. But critics have already spoken out ahead of his announcement, accusing the government of trespassing on people's privacy and saying the scheme would be ineffective against illegal migration. Subscribe here: http://bit.ly/1rbfUog For more news, analysis and features visit: www.bbc.com/news #DigitalID #KeirStarmer #BBCNews

Top Comments (10)

@michaelmurphy1127 2025-09-26

This has nothing to do with immigration.

1.3k 76 replies
@LiamBell-ny5mt 2025-09-26

So you could basically make the argument that the government has purposely allowed illegal immigration to run rampant in order for them to justify and implement digital ID system. Unbelievable.

771 62 replies
@colinrobinson4233 2025-09-26

WE WILL NOT COMPLY.

463 22 replies
@captainbuggernut9565 2025-09-26

He has no mandate for this. Its not in the manifesto and it tackles nothing. It's a divisive policy and I hope the public give it the gesture it deserves.

390 16 replies
@alexbowman7582 2025-09-26

Digital ID is a prerequisite for their real plans, digital currency when you will be restricted from freedom of movement and spending.

210 10 replies
@ste9474 2025-09-26

Do not comply Will not comply

185 6 replies
@davidlee8838 2025-09-26

This will be used to punish people with the wrong views.

142 2 replies
@VikingMale 2025-09-26

No Digital ID’s, No CBDC’s, No Vaccine Passports, No Vaccine Mandates, No Carbon Credit Score, No Social Credit Score, No S.M.A.R.T. Cities, No 15 Minute Cities, No WEF, No WHO, No NIPAH Virus Pandemic.

136 10 replies
@Oo27254 2025-09-26

Canadian here. UK you need to fight this tooth and nails. This is a battle you cannot lose!

27 1 replies
@mrradman2986 2025-09-27

Authoritarianism on steroids. The fact he actually said out loud that a UK citizen residing in their own country would be refused employment if not having a state issued digital ID is unbelievable.

26 2 replies

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