Digital ID cards could help solve the small boats crisis, says Pat McFadden
Digital ID cards can combat illegal immigration, minister says
- Cabinet Office minister Pat McFadden has proposed a Digital ID card for all British citizens to combat illegal immigration and benefit fraud.
- McFadden stated the UK is technologically 'behind the curve' and could implement a system similar to Estonia's, which uses a unique identification number for various public services.
- The Labour MP suggested a digital ID could prevent illegal work, addressing 'pull factors' for asylum seekers highlighted by France.
- He noted that modern smartphone capabilities make a digital ID more feasible now compared to previous attempts by New Labour.
- The proposal has received support from think tank Labour Together and former MI6 chief Sir Alex Younger, who also backed digital IDs to deter small boat crossings.