Thomas Skinner fumes digital IDs are 'UN-BRITISH' as he unleashes fresh attack on Keir Starmer: 'Far from freedom - it's more CONTROL!'

WATCH HERE: Thomas Skinner's emotional exit speech with Amy Dowden as they become the first couple voted out of this season's BBC Strictly Come Dancing

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BBC

Alex Davies

By Alex Davies


Published: 24/10/2025

- 15:08

The former Strictly Come Dancing star has voiced his stern opposition to the scheme

Thomas Skinner has pulled no punches with his opinions on Sir Keir Starmer and his "helmet disciples" regarding the planned rollout of digital IDs.

With nearly three million signatures on a petition calling on digital IDs to be scrapped, Mr Starmer has been on the charm offensive this week, defending the proposals.


In an attempt to allay concerns, Mr Starmer has claimed they will not be applied retrospectively, meaning UK workers would only need them when they apply for new jobs after 2028.

The Prime Minister has also stressed that they wouldn't be compulsory and that those who choose not to have it wouldn't be denied things like healthcare and other essential services.

Thomas Skinner

Thomas Skinner has slammed digital IDs in a new post

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GETTY

On Friday morning, Mr Starmer reemphasised his backing of the scheme on social media amid the controversy, taking to X with the simple message: "Digital ID will bring the UK into the modern age."

Thousands responded to the Labour leader's social media post, including the Apprentice and Strictly Come Dancing star, Mr Skinner.

And the patriotic reality TV star did not hold back. "Keir and his helmet disciples keep saying Digital ID will 'modernise' Great Britain. It’s a load of b****x," he began.

"Before Starmer starts tagging us lot the British public like cattle and sheep, he should start fixing all the disasters he and his team have caused.

Starmer

Sir Keir Starmer has defended the proposals

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PA

"Illegal immigration still pouring in, and our borders ignored. Our services crumbling before our own eyes, and our everyday bills are through the roof.

"But now they want more control over the good, normal, hard-working British people. A Digital ID might sound harmless until it’s used against ya. One big database for everything, like your bank, your travel, your doctor, your job.

"Say you accidentally miss a payment, or you say the wrong thing online? Or the Government doesn’t like ya politics? Suddenly, you can’t access your own money, you can’t book a flight, and you can’t even prove who you are.

"It’s far from freedom; it's more control. This country was built on privacy and the right to live without the state breathing down ya neck.

Thomas SKinner

Thomas Skinner fumed at Starmer and the government

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BBC

"Great Britain has always stood for freedom, and people have fought and died for it. Starmer’s plan hands over our freedom on a plate.

"I love this country and I’ll always speak up when something threatens it. Digital ID is dangerous, unnecessary, and un-British. God save the King, and God bless the United Kingdom.

"Do one Starmer, you old helmet," Mr Skinner signed off, alongside his signature phrase: "Bosh."

Before long, Mr Skinner found himself inundated with fellow X users reacting to his attack on the Prime Minister, with one agreeing: "Could not have said it better."

Keir Starmer in Wales

Sir Keir Starmer

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PA

"He doesn’t like people like you and I, Tom, people that work hard and have a passion for seeing others succeed," a second weighed in before a third said: "Well said, Tom! Starmer needs to go!"

Meanwhile, a fourth added: "If this modernising Britain - we don’t need or want it. How about vintage Britain? Can we restore those values?"

However, Mr Skinner also came under fire from others. "I usually like and agree with what you say, Tom," one fan argued. "However, all these issues all started well before Starmer and his disciples, as you put it. We need change in this country as it's a s**t show, so what is the harm of trying something different and seeing how it goes."

And a second fumed: "Trying to stoke division with unfounded points around digital ID. Most of Europe has a form of it without the 'b****x' you're chatting. Boshb****x." (sic)

BBC Strictly: Thomas Skinner

BBC Strictly: Thomas Skinner was the first to be booted off the 2025 series

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BBC

Mr Skinner's outburst comes just a few days after he issued a similarly blistering assessment of the PM's performance in Downing Street.

The Strictly star accused the Prime Minister of treating business owners like "we're thick", taking aim at the endless red tape he and others face.