Government defends expansion of digital ID plans to include children as young as 13

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"Yvette Cooper has defended the controversial expansion of digital ID plans to include children as young as 13, arguing that many teenagers already utilise similar forms of identification. The Foreign Secretary asserted that the "standardised" system was "the right way forward," aiming to reassure the public amidst significant opposition to the proposals' scope. Sir Keir Starmer is reportedly seeking to widen the technology's application, initially intended for tackling illegal migration, to encompass the management of public services such as benefits and bill payments."

The government proposes a standardized digital identification system currently set for people aged 16 and over, with consultation considering lowering the age to 13. Yvette Cooper defended expanding the digital ID to include children as young as 13, noting many teenagers already use similar identification forms. The system is presented as a tool to tackle illegal migration and to manage public services such as benefits and bill payments. Sir Keir Starmer supports widening the technology's application and urges making the case for its benefits amid falling poll support. A petition against the measures has exceeded 2.8 million signatures.

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