Mandatory digital ID paves way for surveillance and exclusion, MPs hear | Computer Weekly

"The UK's proposed mandatory digital ID scheme will not help reduce illegal migration or stop people working illegally, and could instead set up the infrastructure for exclusion and mass surveillance, MPs have been told. On 26 September 2025, UK prime minister Keir Starmer announced that the government planned to introduce a mandatory national digital ID scheme, arguing it would help crack down on illegal working and control the country's borders."

"The scheme will be compulsory for "right to work" checks by the end of the current Parliament, and includes name, date of birth, nationality and residency status information, and a photo. The announcement follows the launch of the Gov.uk Wallet in January 2025, which will start by digitising driving licences and veterans' cards, before moving on to include every government-issued credential by the end of 2027."

"While the government has already confirmed that digital ID will be available in the Wallet, underpinned by the existing Gov.uk One Login digital identity platform, there is currently a lack of clarity over how a digital ID system will work in practice. To scrutinise the government's digital ID plans and its claimed benefits, the Home Affairs Committee (HAC) launched an inquiry in June 2025 into the introduction of new forms of digital ID."

On 26 September 2025 Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced plans for a mandatory national digital ID scheme intended to crack down on illegal working and control borders. The ID will be compulsory for right-to-work checks and include name, date of birth, nationality, residency status and a photo. The rollout follows the Gov.uk Wallet launched in January 2025, which will digitise driving licences and veterans' cards before including all government credentials by the end of 2027. The scheme will use Gov.uk One Login, but there is limited clarity on practical operation. The Home Affairs Committee launched an inquiry amid widespread opposition, while some experts cite convenience and personalised public services.

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