Britain Mulls Digital ID Cards Amid French Pressure on Migration

by Stefan J. Bos, Worthy News Europe Bureau Chief

LONDON (Worthy News) – Every person in Britain could be required to obtain a digital identity card under proposals revived after French President Emmanuel Macron pressed London to curb migration.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer told his Cabinet he would explore the concept as part of reforms to make it harder for illegal migrants to live and work in Britain.

Downing Street confirmed ministers are considering options 15 years after a similar plan was scrapped over civil liberties concerns.

One option would require anyone seeking a job, housing, benefits, or public services to present a digital ID proving the right to live in the country.

Cabinet Office Minister Pat McFadden, who recently studied Estonia’s mandatory digital ID scheme, said replacing “a multiplicity of paper-based documents” made sense.

“The idea you’ve got to prove who you say you are in order to work is a reasonable expectation,” he added.

STARMER UNDER PRESSURE

The ruling Labour Party had rejected ID cards as recently as July, with Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds saying it was “not our approach.”

However, Macron reportedly pressured Starmer to address the “pull factors” drawing migrants across the Channel.

Allies of the French leader have described Britain as an “El Dorado for migrants” due to what they view as lax rules.

Former Prime Minister Tony Blair has also lobbied for digital IDs behind the scenes.

Critics warn that the plan risks eroding privacy rights, noting the previous scheme collapsed in 2010 after a public outcry.

The renewed debate comes amid a surge in Channel crossings of nearly 50 percent this year and Labour’s pledge to shut down hundreds of migrant hotels and expand cooperation with France.

Latest Worthy News