Keir Starmer denies change to digital ID plan is yet another U-turn

Keir Starmer is facing criticism over a change to his digital ID plan, specifically regarding mandatory proof of right to work. The original proposal required a specific digital ID, but now allows for alternative digital forms of identification like passports with digital chips. While the government describes it as a technical adjustment, critics, including Conservatives like Kemi Badenoch, are calling it a U-turn and accusing Starmer of lacking direction. Starmer denies this, stating that mandatory digital checks for employment will still be required to combat illegal work. The Labour party maintains the core principle of digital verification remains intact, regardless of the specific form of digital ID used.

The U.K. government is revising its plan to require a single digital ID, known as the BritCard, for workers. Announced in September by Prime Minister Keir Starmer as a means to deter undocumented migrants, the BritCard was initially intended as the sole method for proving the right to work in Britain. However, officials stated on Wednesday that alternative digital methods, such as e-visas or e-passports, will also be acceptable. While the government aims to introduce a digital verification system to combat illegal immigration and streamline identity checks, the specific form it will take is still under consultation. This retreat follows other policy adjustments by the Starmer government since 2024.