Keir Starmer set to unveil plans for UK digital ID cards to tackle illegal immigration

The UK government, under Prime Minister Keir Starmer, is preparing to outline proposals for the introduction of digital ID cards for all adults. The measure, expected to be revealed as early as Friday, is part of a wider plan to address illegal immigration and restore public confidence in the nation’s immigration system.

Starmer is expected to make the announcement during a major policy speech at a conference focused on progressive leadership and addressing voter concerns. Immigration has remained one of the top issues for British voters, and the Labour government views digital IDs as a tool that could help strengthen border control and regulate access to jobs and housing.

What is the “BritCard” digital ID proposal?

The plan—being informally referred to as the “BritCard”—would require adults to carry a secure digital identity stored on their smartphones. The system would be powered by a dedicated government application, likely branded as the BritCard app, which builds on earlier discussions around a gov.uk Wallet.

The proposed ID would allow employers, landlords, banks, and immigration authorities to verify a person’s right to work, rent, or access public services in the UK using a free verification tool. According to government insiders, the aim is to make it far harder for illegal migrants to exploit loopholes in the current system, while also reducing instances of rogue landlords and exploitative employers.

Why is the government pushing digital ID cards now?

The political mood has shifted since former Prime Minister Tony Blair’s ID card plans were abandoned in the 2000s due to fierce opposition over civil liberty concerns. Today, with immigration pressures and border security dominating the national debate, No. 10 believes that public opinion is now more accepting of the idea.

Starmer recently stated that “digital IDs could play an important part in making Britain less attractive to illegal migrants.” French officials have also argued that the UK’s lack of formal identity documentation acts as a “pull factor”, encouraging irregular migration across the Channel.

Reports and recommendations behind the BritCard idea

A Labour Together think tank report, submitted earlier this year to Downing Street, played a central role in shaping the proposal. The report suggested that introducing a national digital ID could not only prevent illegal immigration but also help avoid future crises like the Windrush scandal, where lawful residents were wrongly targeted due to poor recordkeeping.

The report also highlighted troubling statistics: nearly half of the people whose asylum claims were rejected in the past 14 years were believed to still be in the UK. The introduction of a secure digital ID could make it easier for authorities to monitor Visa overstayers and enforce immigration laws effectively.

How the digital ID system would work

• Free digital ID card stored on smartphones via the BritCard app.
• Verification tools for employers, landlords, banks, and government agencies to confirm legal status.
• Protection against abuse by making it harder for rogue landlords and illegal employers to exploit undocumented individuals.
• Enhanced border security through better tracking of overstayers and visa holders.

According to Liz Kendall, the newly appointed Technology Secretary, the policy would be backed by digital governance expertise. She is now working with Kirsty Innes, the author of the think tank report and Labour Together’s director of technology, who has been appointed as a special adviser.

Concerns and civil liberty debates

While the government emphasizes security and fairness, critics are already raising concerns. Civil liberties advocates fear that mandatory digital IDs could lead to privacy issues, surveillance risks, and disproportionate checks on minority communities. Balancing public trust with effective enforcement will be a key challenge for Starmer’s administration.

What happens next?

The proposals are still at an early stage, but the government is expected to unveil more detailed plans in the coming weeks. If implemented, the BritCard system would represent one of the most significant changes to UK immigration policy in decades. For supporters, it promises a safer, fairer, and more accountable system. For critics, it raises difficult questions about data privacy and civil rights.

As Britain faces growing pressure to reform its immigration system, Keir Starmer’s digital ID card plan could become a defining policy of his government—and a turning point in the nation’s long-running debate over identity, security, and freedom.