Sir Keir Starmer U-turns on mandatory ID cards after backlash – Bundlezy

Sir Keir Starmer U-turns on mandatory ID cards after backlash

LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM - OCTOBER 18: Protesters march against UK Government's plan to introduce a digital identification card in central in London, United Kingdom on October 18, 2025. The government wants to introduce a digital ID system across the UK, with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer saying it will ensure the country's 'borders are more secure'. The IDs will not have to be carried day-to-day, but they will be compulsory for anyone wanting to work. (Photo by Ilyas Tayfun Salci/Anadolu via Getty Images)
Protesters march against UK Government’s plan to introduce a digital identification card (Picture: Anadolu)

The Prime Minister has abandoned his plans for mandatory digital ID cards to verify someone’s right to work in the UK.

The ID cards will now be optional when they are introduced in 2029, with workers given the choice of whether to use other documents to verify their identity instead.

A Government source told The Times that the compulsory element ‘was stopping conversation about what digital IDs could be used for generally’.

They said: ‘Stepping back from mandatory-use cases will deflate one of the main points of contention. We do not want to risk there being cases of some 65-year-old in a rural area being barred from working because he hasn’t installed the ID.’

This is a breaking news story.. More to follow.

About admin