Starmer’s digital ID scheme ignites fierce backlash as Britain faces divisive immigration battle

Keir Starmer has unveiled one of his most controversial proposals since becoming prime minister, insisting that new digital IDs will be mandatory for anyone seeking work in Britain. He claims the measure will make it harder for migrants to work illegally and help secure the country’s borders.

Writing in the Daily Telegraph, Starmer argued that Labour must finally confront public concerns over illegal immigration. “We must be absolutely clear that tackling every aspect of the problem of illegal immigration is essential,” he wrote, stressing that the issue demands a whole-of-government response. According to him, there is no “silver bullet” solution, but he insisted that every possible measure must be enforced to deter migrants from entering British waters.

The scheme, as outlined, would see the creation of a new, free digital ID system. By the end of this Parliament, every person starting a new job would be required to show the ID. Starmer portrayed this as both a practical tool against illegal working and a defining political stance for his government. He dismissed Reform UK’s “simple slogans” as meaningless and rejected what he described as “quick-fix solutions from those who want to divide, not unite, the country”.

The announcement has already provoked fierce political reactions. Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch branded the plan a “desperate gimmick”. The Liberal Democrats, meanwhile, warned that it could force citizens into surrendering private data, raising fears of state overreach. The Scottish National Party has also voiced its opposition, while Reform UK continues to attack Labour’s approach as inadequate.

Despite this hostility, Starmer is standing firm. He plans to champion the proposal in a speech to a gathering of centre-left world leaders, including Australia’s Anthony Albanese and Canada’s Mark Carney. He will argue that Labour cannot afford to shy away from public anger over immigration, declaring that it is time to “look ourselves in the mirror and recognise where we’ve allowed our parties to shy away from people’s concerns”.

The prime minister sees the digital ID plan as a way to draw a clear line between Labour and its rivals. For him, this is not just about immigration control but about setting the tone for his premiership. He hopes the measure will symbolise “hard work of restoring power to local communities” rather than pandering to populist soundbites.

Yet critics remain unconvinced. Badenoch’s dismissal of the scheme as a gimmick reflects a Conservative Party uncertain about its stance. While they condemn the idea for now, some Conservatives suggest they could be persuaded if the policy proves workable. The Liberal Democrats’ fears about data privacy, however, point to deeper divisions that will be difficult to reconcile.

Observers note that the political stakes are high. Starmer is gambling that a firm position on illegal working will strengthen Labour’s credibility on immigration and demonstrate resolve where his predecessors faltered. But with Reform UK rallying anti-immigration sentiment and rivals branding his plan as intrusive, the road ahead is fraught with risk.

As dinghies continue to arrive on Britain’s shores, the debate over illegal immigration grows ever more toxic. Starmer insists that digital IDs are part of a long-term strategy to close loopholes and restore order. His opponents see them as a step toward surveillance and bureaucracy.

What remains certain is that the prime minister has chosen a battle that could define his legacy. Britain is bracing for a clash not only over immigration but over how far the state should go in controlling the right to work.