Compulsory digital ID plan axed as Labour performs another U-turn, reports say

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"Sir Keir Starmer has reportedly crapped plans for a compulsory digital identity scheme for workers following opposition to the idea from across the political divide. The prime minister last year said Labour would introduce a digital ID system that would be voluntary in most cases but mandatory for right-to-work checks. But the plans were thrown into confusion on Tuesday night after The Times reported ministers were rowing back on the compulsory element, allowing other digital documents to be used for right-to-work check."

Sir Keir Starmer scrapped plans for a compulsory digital identity scheme for workers after opposition across the political divide. The prime minister had said Labour would introduce a digital ID system voluntary in most cases but mandatory for right-to-work checks. Ministers are reversing the compulsory element and will allow other digital documents for right-to-work verification. Civil-liberties groups, Reform UK and the Conservatives opposed the obligatory ID scheme. The government announced the plan four months ago to crack down on illegal migration. The reversal increases the tally of U-turns since the 2024 general election. The move reflects political pressure and concerns about civil liberties and practicality.

Read at www.independent.co.uk