Digital ID will 'save you time and money', Keir Starmer says as PM argues scheme will 'wipe out costs'

Sir Keir promised that the proposals would "make it tougher to work illegally in this country, making our borders more secure" when announcing the scheme.

It will come into effect by 2029.

Speaking on the scheme on Facebook, the Prime Minister said: "I recently spoke with someone buying a house with her partner.

"She told me that she had to pay just to verify who she was.

"With digital ID that could be done in seconds and wipe out the costs.

"Digital ID will save you time and money."

Critics of the scheme strongly disputed the Government’s justification for the introduction of digital ID cards, arguing that it will do little to clamp down on illegal immigration.

Downing Street has previously hinted that the plans for mandatory digital ID cards could be expanded beyond proving the right to work in the UK.

A Government press release from September noted that the scheme could, over time, “make it simpler to apply for services like driving licences, childcare and welfare, while streamlining access to tax records”.

Tory leader Kemi Badenoch dismissed the proposal as a “gimmick that will do nothing to stop the boats,” while Reform UK leader Nigel Farage has also expressed his firm opposition.

New research by pollster Lord Ashcroft recently revealed that British voters from across the political spectrum are “overwhelmingly against" the Government's plans.

They also said they were worried about personal data being stolen, as well as the project being used to "monitor and control people and their behaviour".

One voter argued that unscrupulous employers would continue to break the law: “You’re not supposed to be able to work without one of these, but you’re not supposed to work without a National Insurance number."

Another added: “Can you see the guys in the carwash having digital IDs? The people who employ them aren’t going to ask for digital IDs anyway. They don’t care.”

A third said: “Can you see the guys in the carwash having digital IDs? The people who employ them aren’t going to ask for digital IDs anyway. They don’t care.”

A Government spokesman said: "We've always been clear that a digital ID will be required for Right to Work checks so that we can tackle illegal working, and any firms who ignore the rules can expect to pay hefty fines.

"Suggestions that the scheme is being used to track or monitor individuals are demonstrably false.

"We will make sure as many people as possible can use digital IDs, including those who don’t feel confident with technology or have a smartphone, and that nobody feels left behind.”

A public consultation is set to be launched before the end of 2025.