Keir Starmer says digital ID cards an enormous opportunity' for the UK

"Digital ID cards present an enormous opportunity for the UK, Keir Starmer has said, as the government braces for a civil liberties row over the proposals. The prime minister will set out the measures on Friday morning at a conference on how progressive politicians can tackle the problems facing the UK, including addressing voter concerns around immigration. The proposals for a Brit card would require legislation and are already facing opposition from civil liberty groups concerned about privacy."

"I know working people are worried about the level of illegal migration into this country. A secure border and controlled migration are reasonable demands, and this government is listening and delivering. Digital ID is an enormous opportunity for the UK. It will make it tougher to work illegally in this country, making our borders more secure. And it will also offer ordinary citizens countless benefits, like being able to prove your identity to access key services swiftly"

"The prime minister, writing in the Telegraph, said Labour had previously shied away from addressing concerns over immigration and that it was now essential to tackle every aspect of the problem of illegal immigration. He argued that it was possible to be concerned about immigration while rejecting Reform UK's toxic approach. There is no doubt that for years leftwing parties, including my own, did shy away from people's concerns around illegal immigration, he wrote."

Prime Minister Keir Starmer champions a national Digital ID or 'Brit card' as a tool to strengthen borders, reduce illegal working, and simplify access to services for ordinary citizens. The proposals will require new legislation and are being presented at a conference addressing progressive policy responses, including immigration. Culture secretary Lisa Nandy rejected any aim to create a dystopian system. Civil liberties groups, including Big Brother Watch, warned that digital IDs risk creating a checkpoint society, would not deter small boats, and could enable domestic mass surveillance. Labour acknowledges past reluctance to address public concerns on illegal migration.

Read at www.theguardian.com