PM Keir Starmer has announced plans for digital ID cards – so-called ‘BritCards’ – for adults in the UK and we want to know what you think about them
New digital ID cards are on their way – and we want to know what you think about them.
In a bid to tackle illegal immigration, the so-called BritCards will allow the verification of a citizen’s right to live and work in the UK. Now we want to know what Mirror readers think of the idea – share your views in our poll below.
Mr Stamer claimed the digital ID cards will crack down on people who want to work illegally in the country. He claimed the UK has been too “squeamish” talking about illegal immigration in the past, as he lashed out at the divisive politics of the far-right. The scheme will be available to UK citizens and those legally resident in the country.
In a press conference this morning, the PM said: “Our immigration system does need to be fair if we want to maintain that binding contract that politics is built on, otherwise it undermines trust, undermines people’s faith that we’re on their side and their belief that the state can and will work for them.
“And that is why today I am announcing this government will make a new, free of charge digital ID, mandatory for the right to work by the end of this Parliament.
“Let me spell it out. You will not be able to work in the United Kingdom if you do not have digital I.D.. It’s as simple as that because decent, pragmatic, fair minded people, they want us to tackle the issues that they see around them.”
But not everyone’s happy about it, with more than 740,000 people already backing a petition against the plans. Critics cite fears over privacy and potential data breaches, despite recent polling showing a majority of the public support the introduction of national ID cards.
What do you think of the new digital ID card? Take our poll below, and if you can’t see it click here
Former Prime Minister Tony Blair has been a long-standing advocate of ID cards, though the Government had previously ruled out introducing them. However, a new report from the think tank Labour Together was submitted to No. 10’s policy unit over the summer.
According to Labour Together, the ID cards would be provided free of charge to all individuals with the right to live and work in the UK. The organisation estimates that establishing the scheme would cost between £140 million and £400 million.
It is hoped the cards could have other consumer benefits, including people not having to take their passport to pick up a delivery at the Post Office. Plans could also include the cards being used as a form of ID to buy alcohol.
What do you think to the new digital ID card? Take our poll above and expand on your feelings in the comments.
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