A Government-issued digital identity card could be required by every adult in Britain under a ‘dystopian’ plan set to be announced by the Prime Minister.
The ‘BritCard’ could be used to prove a person has the right to work in this country, and even to access public services.
The idea of a mandatory identification system has long been advocated by Labour as a way to tackle illegal migration.
But the proposal is fiercely opposed by civil rights campaigners, who warn it will erode civil liberties and turn the UK into a ‘papers please’ society.
Meanwhile, polls show a majority of the public do not trust ministers to keep their personal data safe from cyber-criminals.
Detailed proposals for what has been dubbed a ‘BritCard’ could be announced by Sir Keir Starmer as early as tomorrow.
The Prime Minister will speak at the Global Progress Action Summit in London alongside Australian prime minister Anthony Albanese and Canadian prime minister Mark Carney.
These plans will then be subject to a consultation and are expected to require legislation. The UK is one of the few countries in Europe without an ID system.
Hellbound and Down 