Starmer confirms government is exploring digital ID to curb illegal migration

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has for the first time confirmed that the government is examining a digital identity scheme as a tool to help tackle illegal migration, saying such a programme could play an "important part" in reducing the incentive to enter the UK without permission.

Speaking to the BBC's political editor Chris Mason, Starmer said the public's attitude to identity schemes had shifted since the mid-2000s debate over physical ID cards introduced under the last Labour government. "We all carry a lot more digital ID now than we did 20 years ago, and I think that psychologically, it plays a different part," he said. Asked whether a new scheme could reduce the attractiveness of the UK as a destination for illegal migrants, he added: "My instinct is it can play an important part. Obviously we need to look through some of the detail."

The confirmation represents a shift in public discourse two decades after a strongly contested proposal for physical identity cards under New Labour prompted concerns about civil liberties and state databases. Starmer did not set out specific technological approaches, timelines or legislative plans during the interview, saying only that officials would need to work through the details.

Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch questioned the proposal's likely impact on migration outcomes, saying: "I think as a way of helping to control immigration, it is not really going to solve the problem." The government’s exploration of digital identity therefore appears to have attracted scepticism from opposition figures as well as sparking the prospect of renewed public debate on privacy and enforcement.

Digital identity schemes generally refer to systems that enable people to prove who they are online or in person using electronic credentials. Such systems can range from government-backed digital credentials to biometric authentication and linking records across databases for verification. Proponents argue digital identity can speed access to services, reduce fraud and make immigration controls more difficult to circumvent. Critics point to risks including privacy intrusion, data security vulnerabilities and potential exclusion for people without access to enabling technology.

Any UK scheme would need to be considered against existing data protection and privacy frameworks, including laws derived from the Data Protection Act and UK implementations of European data-protection standards. Starmer's reference to "looking through some of the detail" signals officials will need to address those technical, legal and ethical questions as part of any proposal.

The prime minister's comments mark a new stage in a long-running national conversation about identity, technology and the balance between public order and individual rights. At this stage, ministers have not published a formal proposal or timetable for a digital ID programme, and no legislation has been announced. Further details are expected only after the government concludes internal reviews and policy development.