Have your say: Should Britain introduce digital ID cards to tackle illegal migration?

"As the government looks for new ways to tackle illegal migration, Sir Keir Starmer is considering the rollout of digital ID cards. The prime minister has not said whether the cards would be compulsory, but has confirmed that ministers are examining how the technology could be used to limit illegal working one of the so-called pull factors drawing people across the Channel in small boats."

"Supporters, including the Tony Blair Institute, claim a national scheme would prevent benefit fraud, close loopholes exploited by gangs, and make it harder to forge documents. But critics warn the policy risks creating a dystopian nightmare, with campaigners such as Big Brother Watch saying ordinary people would be forced to prove their identity simply to go about daily life. They argue digital IDs would not stop small boat crossings and would instead punish law-abiding citizens."

The government is exploring national digital ID cards as a tool to tackle illegal migration and limit illegal working, with Sir Keir Starmer considering a rollout. Ministers have not confirmed whether cards would be compulsory but are examining how the technology could reduce one of the pull factors driving Channel crossings. Similar systems operate in Europe, with Estonia issuing digital ID numbers and France arguing that the UK’s lack of checks enables asylum seekers to enter the shadow economy. Supporters, including the Tony Blair Institute, say a scheme would prevent benefit fraud, close gang-exploited loopholes and hinder document forgery. Critics warn of dystopian outcomes and disproportionate impact on law-abiding citizens.

Read at www.independent.co.uk