Starmer signals interest in digital ID to deter illegal migration

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

Speaking to BBC political editor Chris Mason, Starmer said the debate over identity had shifted since the mid-2000s, when a physical ID card proposal under the last Labour government provoked a fraught national discussion. "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 replied: "My instinct is it can play an important part. Obviously we need to look through some of the detail."

The prime minister's comments mark the first public acknowledgement from Downing Street that digital identity is under active consideration as part of immigration policy. Starmer framed the conversation in technological and societal change over the past two decades, suggesting public attitudes may have shifted as personal and commercial digital identification has become more widespread.

Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch criticised the approach, saying it would not solve underlying migration challenges. "I think as a way of helping to control immigration, it is not really going to solve the problem," she told reporters, voicing scepticism about the potential impact of a digital ID programme on illegal migration flows.

Starmer did not provide details on how a digital ID scheme would be structured, what data it would use, or how it would interface with immigration enforcement. He said further examination of the proposals would be required, signalling that ministers will need to consider practical, legal and operational issues before any plan is advanced.

The mid-2000s debate referenced by the prime minister concerned a Labour government proposal for physical identity cards, which became politically contentious and were later abandoned. The current discussion centers on digital identity, which typically involves electronic verification of personal information and is increasingly used in commercial and government services. Supporters argue such systems can improve verification and reduce fraud; critics have historically raised concerns about privacy, security and civil liberties.

Downing Street has not announced a timetable for decisions or consultations related to the potential scheme. Officials have been increasingly under pressure to set out practical measures on immigration, and the digital identity option adds a technological angle to a policy debate that has long encompassed law enforcement, border control and asylum processing.

Ministers will need to balance effectiveness, legal safeguards and public acceptability if they pursue a digital identity route. For now, Starmer's comments represent an opening of government consideration rather than a firm policy commitment, with further detail and cross-party responses likely as the issue develops.