Starmer considers digital ID cards in small boats crackdown
Digital ID cards could be introduced to curb illegal immigration
- Sir Keir Starmer's government is considering the introduction of digital ID cards as a measure to tackle illegal migration, specifically small boat crossings and illegal working.
- This consideration follows suggestions from top minister Pat McFadden, who highlighted Britain's lag in digital ID adoption compared to countries like Estonia.
- Downing Street confirmed the government is exploring the technology, though it has not specified if the cards would be compulsory.
- The proposal has drawn criticism from groups like Big Brother Watch, who warn of a 'dystopian nightmare' and question its effectiveness in deterring crossings.
- Conversely, the Tony Blair Institute supports digital IDs, arguing they would eliminate the 'shadow economy' pull factor and prevent the use of forged paper identification.