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The British government announced on Friday that it will support a compulsory identity system for British citizens and residents who start new employment, a step aimed at combating illegal immigration.
“It will make it harder for people to work illegally in Britain and strengthen border safety,” Prime Minister Keir Starmer said in a statement confirming the plan.
Immigration remains one of the leading public concerns in Britain, with more increasing pressure to stop illegal intersections, especially by migrants traveling in small boats from France.
How the scheme will work
Under the initiative, each individual’s digital ID will be stored on their cellphone and forms part of the standard verification process that employers must perform when employing staff. Over time, the digital ID is also expected to be used to access childcare, welfare benefits and tax records.
Political debate
The government argues that opposition parties say the plan could have little effect on stopping migrants.
Historical context
Efforts to be in the UK in the UK are identity cards Natempts. Tony Blair’s labor government proposed a similar initiative in the 2000s, but the Sache was dropped by successor Gordon Brown after a widespread option.
Since the abolition of identity cards after World War II, British have relied on documents such as passports and driver’s licenses to verify their identity.
