UK Government Alters Stance on Compulsory Digital IDs After Public Outcry
Plans for compulsory digital identification cards, initially proposed as a means to manage immigration, have been significantly altered by the UK government. This change comes after widespread criticism and backlash.
The center-left government, led by Prime Minister Keir Starmer, has been battling criticism from politicians in the opposition as well as his own Labour Party members. This policy change marks yet another shift in the government's decisions.
Changes in Policy
Confirmation came recently that citizens and residents wouldn't be required to present a digital ID card to secure employment, which is a major deviation from the policy announced earlier.
As Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander explained, "A digital ID could serve as an evidence of your work eligibility," but it would be one of many documents, like biometric passports, and not the only one.
The government has made it clear that the comprehensive plans for digital ID cards will be disclosed after conducting a thorough public consultation, which is set to commence soon.
Original Concept and Backlash
In his September announcement, Starmer had stated unequivocally, "If you don't possess a digital ID, you won't be able to work in the United Kingdom. It's that simple." He had argued that this measure would curb unauthorized immigration by making it difficult to operate within the shadow economy. Furthermore, it would streamline access to public services like health care, welfare, child care, and more.
However, this proposal was met with swift backlash. Public support for digital ID cards dwindled significantly after Starmer endorsed the idea.
Post World War II, the UK has not enforced compulsory ID cards for its ordinary citizens, and the concept has always been a point of contention. Activists for civil rights argue that such a measure infringes personal freedom and jeopardizes the security of people's information.
Previous Attempts and Reaction to the Latest Policy Change
Former Prime Minister Tony Blair had attempted to introduce biometric ID cards two decades ago as a countermeasure against terrorism and fraud. But due to severe opposition from the public and Parliament, the plan was eventually scrapped.
After this recent policy change, opposition Conservative Party chairman Kevin Hollinrake criticized that "The only consistent policy of Labour is retreat." Liberal Democrat spokesperson Lisa Smart humorously added that Starmer's office "must be buying motion sickness tablets in bulk by now to handle all their policy U-turns."