Prime Minister Keir Starmer today announced his government’s intention to introduce a new digital identity scheme nicknamed the “Brit Card” which will become a required credential for employment in the UK.
Under the proposal, every British citizen and legal resident would receive a free digital ID linked to a smartphone app. It would carry personal details like name, date of birth, nationality or residency status and would be used to verify eligibility to work.
Starmer framed the move as a tool to strengthen border control, deter illegal employment, and simplify access to government services such as welfare, childcare, tax records, and licensing. “Digital ID is an enormous opportunity for the UK,” he said. “It will make it tougher to work illegally in this country, making our borders more secure.”
While the ID would be mandatory for the legal “right to work,” the government says individuals won’t be compelled to carry it at all times or be asked to present it randomly.
Reaction and Risks
The announcement reignited long-standing civil liberties concerns. Critics argue that the scheme could lead to intrusive surveillance, data breaches, or exclusion of digitally marginalised populations.
Opposition parties have been scathing. Reform UK dismissed the plan as a “gimmick” unlikely to prevent illegal work, while the Liberal Democrats said it risks forcing people to surrender personal data to access everyday life.
Some voices in Northern Ireland have warned that the plan could conflict with the Good Friday Agreement and the rights of Irish citizens.
Next Steps
The government says it will consult widely on implementation and ensure adaptations for those without smartphones or facing digital exclusion.
Legislation will be required, and the scheme is expected to be in place by the end of the current parliamentary term (2029) for new employment checks.
As the “Brit Card” proposal takes shape, it is likely to become a defining battleground between security, efficiency, and individual privacy in the Starmer era.
One thought on “Sir Starmer unveils “Brit Card” Plan: Digital ID to be Mandatory for Work by 2029”