Michelle Dewberry issues bleak digital ID warning as Keir Starmer considers major crackdown

Michelle believes their use will expand to much more than reining in the surging number of illegal migrants crossing the English Channel.

“I don’t really trust this Government”, she said.

“We talk time and time again about things like Afghan data leaks, public sector IT failures, I personally don’t trust this Government or any Government to take my data and keep that data safe and not misuse it.

“If you’re so desperate to stop this illegal working, why oh why oh why did this Government have to essentially be pushed into sharing the information as to where these asylum hotels were with companies like Deliveroo?

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“They wouldn’t initially share it because they said they were concerned about the wellbeing of the residents within those hotels.

“If these things were introduced, they wouldn’t just stop at these people making the crossings, they would be radically and rapidly expanded to every citizen, I believe.”

She added: “Maybe I’m just getting old and cynical.”

Michelle’s co-host, Andrew Pierce, raised concerns about the elderly who are not as tech savvy as their younger counterparts.

He fears many of them will be forced to use devices they perhaps might not have access to and might not know how to use.

Downing Street confirmed that ministers are exploring how digital ID systems have functioned in other nations as part of efforts to tackle what they describe as "pull factors" attracting illegal migration.

A Government spokesman stated: "We're willing to look at what works when it comes to tackling illegal migration."

The initiative forms part of broader measures to address public frustration over illegal Channel crossings and the presence of asylum hotels in communities across Britain.

LATEST ON DIGITAL IDs: EVERY Briton 'to be given state ID card' in bid to end migrant 'pull factor'

The Prime Minister scheduled a ministerial gathering for Tuesday afternoon to discuss accelerating efforts against illegal crossings.

This meeting aimed to examine various approaches, including collaboration with French authorities and exploring digital identification options.

Cabinet Office minister Pat McFadden revealed that Britain is "behind the curve" regarding national ID implementation.

He referenced Estonia's system, where citizens receive unique identification numbers, as a potential model for the UK.

Mr McFadden explained that digital ID effectiveness lies primarily in tracking individuals who entered Britain illegally rather than preventing boat arrivals.

He stated: "It's more about if people have got into this country illegally, they haven't come through an airport terminal or via one of our ports and got a visa in the right way. That is where digital ID could be really effective."

The Government is weighing whether any digital ID system should be compulsory for all residents or remain voluntary.

Mr McFadden acknowledged these considerations, saying the government would need public input on questions, including: "Should this be mandatory for everyone? Should it be voluntary? What do you do about people that can't access digital services or don't want to access digital services?"