Labour explores compulsory ID cards to curb illegal migration

Telegraph

a day ago

Labour is examining proposals for a compulsory digital ID card for every adult in Britain to help tackle illegal immigration.
A think tank previously headed by Morgan McSweeney, Sir Keir Starmer's chief of staff, has put forward the proposal, which is being considered by No 10.
In a policy paper, Labour Together argues that the new BritCard – downloaded to phones free of charge – would help crack down on illegal migration and provide the public with a 'one-stop shop' for government services such as passports or benefits without the need for further identity checks.
Britain is the only country in Europe without an ID card system, which critics claim has allowed a black market in jobs to flourish, making it attractive to illegal migrants.
The last Labour government attempted to introduce ID cards, with the first issued in 2009, but the scheme was scrapped by the incoming Tory-led coalition on the basis that it was an 'erosion of civil liberties'.
Sir Tony Blair and Lord Blunkett, the former home secretary who first put forward the idea, have remained strong advocates of compulsory ID cards as a simple, effective way to tackle illegal migration.
Digital identity must be 'top PM priority'
In its report, published on Friday, Labour Together urged Sir Keir to make digital identity a 'top prime ministerial priority' and begin a 'fundamental transformation in the way British citizens interact with the government'.
It said the BritCard should initially be rolled out for right-to-rent and right-to-work checks. It estimated it would cost as little as £140 million to build, and between £5 million and £10 million per year to administer.
The app would automatically check a person's right to work against government records. The system would be able to cross-reference the stored identity against company tax records to identify firms with workers who had not undergone checks.
At present, employers and landlords are expected to check identity through one of 15 documents, many of which can be easily forged. A typical employer will have the Home Office check that they apply such checks once every 150 years.
The report cited polling showing that 80 per cent of the public supported the introduction of digital right-to-work credentials. Almost a third thought it would deter people from coming to the UK illegally to work.
Cabinet ministers believed to be interested in the plan are Pat McFadden, the Cabinet Office minister, and Peter Kyle, the Technology Secretary, who believes it could transform the way in which public services are delivered.
ID cards versus e-visas
Yvette Cooper, the Home Secretary – who was a minister when the last Labour government sought to introduce ID cards – is understood to be sceptical about a compulsory ID card for all adults but is a strong advocate of e-visas for anyone coming to the UK.
Some four million have so far been issued, enabling UK authorities to check when a migrant has entered the UK and when they should leave, thereby establishing if they should be removed.
'We want to ensure e-visas can effectively be used as a way of having that digital ID around the ability to work, to be here lawfully,' she told the home affairs select committee this week.
Labour Together said: 'Under the current system, enforcement for right to work and right to rent checks is looking for a needle in a haystack of 2 million employers and 2.8 million landlords. BritCard would shrink this haystack.
'It would support better enforcement of migration rules, making it harder for rogue landlords and employers, and those who don't have the right to be here.
'For vulnerable British citizens, it would provide a quick and easy solution to avoid being wrongly denied their rights, and a repeat of scandals like Windrush.'