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Metro
4 days ago
- Business
- Metro
Universal digital 'BritCards' on an app could soon be used to prove who you are
You could soon need to show a card on an app to get a job or rent a house under a proposed universal digital identity scheme. A 'BritCard' would be a free, mandatory electronic credential stored on a person's smartphone on the planned Wallet app. Employers, immigration, banks and landlords could use a verifier app to conduct checks. The card was proposed today in a policy paper by Labour Together handed to Number 10, with a poll conducted by the influential think-tank finding 80% of Britons would support a digital identity card. The government are examining the proposals, which Labour Together said would also help reduce visa overstayers and benefit fraud. Mockups show that the document would show whether the holder has the right to work or rent. Their driving licence would also be on the app, with hopes that the app could be used to order a passport, access NHS services or display your National Insurance number. Craig Munro breaks down Westminster chaos into easy to follow insight, walking you through what the latest policies mean to you. Sign up here. People would be required to show their online ID when renting a property or applying for a new job, as a system would check their official records. Landlords rarely face fines for not checking tenants' migration status, Labour Together said, while employers face complex right-to-work rules that vary drastically between groups of people. The paper also said it could help curb visa overstayers, with 63,000 non-EU nationals recorded as not leaving the country before their documents expired in the four years to March 2020, or fewer than 4%. Britain is the only country in Europe without an ID card, with those in the EU able to travel around the bloc with one instead of a passport. Sir Tony Blair attempted to introduce compulsory ID cards in 2006 after the September 11 and 7/7 bombings, only for it to be scrapped. Labour Together estimated it would cost £400million to build the e-ID system and £10million to run the free-to-use phone app. In the foreword, 'red wall' MPs Jake Richards and Adam Jogee said the BritCard 'should form an important part of Labour's enforcement strategy that does not compromise our principles and values'. They added: 'The Windrush scandal saw thousands of people wrongly targeted by immigration enforcement, including many legitimate British citizens who were unjustly detained or deported. More Trending 'We believe that a progressive government does not have to choose between dealing with these injustices. It must tackle them all head-on.' Morgan Wild, Labour Together's chief policy adviser, said: 'The state makes everyone, whether they are a British citizen or not, prove their right to work or rent. 'But we don't give everyone with the right to be here the ability to prove it. 'That leads to discrimination, unjust deportation and, as happened in the worst Windrush cases, dying in a country that is not your own. Through a national effort to provide everyone with proof of their right to be here, BritCard can stop that from ever happening again.' Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@ For more stories like this, check our news page. MORE: Full list of 12 countries on Donald Trump's travel ban MORE: Free school meals to be extended to 500,000 chilldren across the country MORE: Halving violence against women and girls will require more cash, watchdogs say
Business Mayor
17-05-2025
- Automotive
- Business Mayor
Major driving licence change for 50 MILLION Brits to be launched this summer – check how to apply now
A MASSIVE shake-up to driving licences for nearly 50 million Brits is gearing up to launch this summer – and it could change how you prove your identity, drive, and even buy booze. The Government has confirmed that it will begin rolling out digital driving licences as part of a major tech upgrade aimed at modernising public services. 3 The move will affect around 50 million Brits who currently hold a provisional or full driving licence Credit: Getty 3 Those who prefer to keep using their plastic cards can continue doing so Credit: Getty The move will affect around 50 million Brits who currently hold a provisional or full driving licence. Initially, the digital version will sit alongside existing plastic photocards, which will remain valid, but it's expected to eventually be accepted in all the same situations, such as hiring a car, proving your age, or showing ID at the airport. A Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) spokesman confirmed to This is Money that a digital driving licence will arrive later this year. 'The Wallet will be launched this summer with the first credential being a digital Veteran card. 'Later in the year, we plan to begin rolling out a digital driving licence, which will eventually be usable for everything your paper licence is currently used for. 'We're working closely with DVLA and industry to meet this timeline.' Importantly, the department also made it clear that the digital version is not compulsory. Those who prefer to keep using their plastic cards can continue doing so. The aim is to offer flexibility while making life easier for people who already use their smartphones for banking, health services and travel. Once launched, drivers who wish to get the digital version will need to download the Wallet app from official app stores. After that, they'll be asked to verify their identity using facial recognition, upload any necessary documents and follow a few simple steps. Once approved, your licence will appear on your phone and be ready to use. It's expected to work similarly to existing digital railcards, giving people quick access to their details and allowing for instant updates. You'll also be able to view things like your driving record, renewal dates, and any endorsements through the app. The change is part of a wider plan to save the Government billions by moving services online. According to ministers, the goal is to improve how people interact with official services and help achieve efficiency savings of up to £45 billion. Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander has described the change as a 'game changer' for the millions who rely on their licence daily, particularly for ID purposes. She said having a secure, digital version on your phone is the natural next step in a digital age. Despite the potential benefits, some concerns have been raised. Critics worry that moving to digital documents could exclude older people or those without smartphones, particularly in rural areas with patchy signal. There are also fears about what might happen if your phone runs out of battery or gets stolen. Read More Audi Sport confirms ten new RS models by 2026 Research by Quotezone revealed that the nation is split over the idea. Around 49 per cent support the change, but 47 per cent are against it — with many citing concerns over security and data sharing. Some users also prefer the reassurance of having a physical card, particularly when travelling abroad, where digital licences may not yet be accepted. Still, DSIT has stressed that the Wallet will have robust security, using the same kind of two-factor authentication found in most banking apps. And if you ever lose your phone, your licence can be remotely deactivated, preventing anyone else from accessing it. Privacy campaigners have also raised the alarm over how much personal data could be stored in one place. The government says no one will be forced to use the digital wallet and that only those who actively choose to download the app will need to upload their ID. Over time, the app will be expanded to include other important documents too, such as Blue Badges, PIP letters, DBS checks, and even marriage or birth certificates. Officials hope that by 2027, people will be able to manage most of their key government documents all from one place. The last big shake-up to licences happened back in 1998 when the paper version was replaced by the plastic photocard. In 2015, the paper counterpart was scrapped altogether. This new digital rollout marks the biggest change in nearly three decades. Applications for the digital driving licence will open once the Wallet goes live later this summer. DSIT says a full announcement will be made nearer the time. Drivers are being urged to only download the official app from Apple or Google Play to avoid scams or fake versions. A recent poll of 1,000 motorists by Regtransfers found that fewer than half — just 43 per cent — even knew the change was coming. As the rollout approaches, ministers say public awareness will grow, especially as more services begin to link into the new system. Meanwhile, the European Union is working on its own version of a digital driving licence, which could eventually make cross-border travel easier. That rollout would affect over 440 million drivers — showing just how fast digital ID is becoming the norm across Europe. For now, though, UK drivers are being given the choice, not the requirement,to switch.
Scottish Sun
17-05-2025
- Automotive
- Scottish Sun
Major driving licence change for 50 MILLION Brits to be launched this summer – check how to apply now
App launching soon could change how millions prove their identity daily GEARING UP Major driving licence change for 50 MILLION Brits to be launched this summer – check how to apply now Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A MASSIVE shake-up to driving licences for nearly 50 million Brits is gearing up to launch this summer – and it could change how you prove your identity, drive, and even buy booze. The Government has confirmed that it will begin rolling out digital driving licences as part of a major tech upgrade aimed at modernising public services. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 3 The move will affect around 50 million Brits who currently hold a provisional or full driving licence Credit: Getty 3 Those who prefer to keep using their plastic cards can continue doing so Credit: Getty The move will affect around 50 million Brits who currently hold a provisional or full driving licence. Initially, the digital version will sit alongside existing plastic photocards, which will remain valid, but it's expected to eventually be accepted in all the same situations, such as hiring a car, proving your age, or showing ID at the airport. When are digital driving licences coming? A Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) spokesman confirmed to This is Money that a digital driving licence will arrive later this year. "The Wallet will be launched this summer with the first credential being a digital Veteran card. "Later in the year, we plan to begin rolling out a digital driving licence, which will eventually be usable for everything your paper licence is currently used for. "We're working closely with DVLA and industry to meet this timeline." Is it compulsory to get one? Importantly, the department also made it clear that the digital version is not compulsory. Those who prefer to keep using their plastic cards can continue doing so. The aim is to offer flexibility while making life easier for people who already use their smartphones for banking, health services and travel. Once launched, drivers who wish to get the digital version will need to download the Wallet app from official app stores. After that, they'll be asked to verify their identity using facial recognition, upload any necessary documents and follow a few simple steps. Once approved, your licence will appear on your phone and be ready to use. It's expected to work similarly to existing digital railcards, giving people quick access to their details and allowing for instant updates. You'll also be able to view things like your driving record, renewal dates, and any endorsements through the app. The change is part of a wider plan to save the Government billions by moving services online. According to ministers, the goal is to improve how people interact with official services and help achieve efficiency savings of up to £45 billion. Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander has described the change as a 'game changer' for the millions who rely on their licence daily, particularly for ID purposes. She said having a secure, digital version on your phone is the natural next step in a digital age. Despite the potential benefits, some concerns have been raised. Critics worry that moving to digital documents could exclude older people or those without smartphones, particularly in rural areas with patchy signal. There are also fears about what might happen if your phone runs out of battery or gets stolen. Research by Quotezone revealed that the nation is split over the idea. Around 49 per cent support the change, but 47 per cent are against it — with many citing concerns over security and data sharing. Some users also prefer the reassurance of having a physical card, particularly when travelling abroad, where digital licences may not yet be accepted. Still, DSIT has stressed that the Wallet will have robust security, using the same kind of two-factor authentication found in most banking apps. And if you ever lose your phone, your licence can be remotely deactivated, preventing anyone else from accessing it. Privacy campaigners have also raised the alarm over how much personal data could be stored in one place. The government says no one will be forced to use the digital wallet and that only those who actively choose to download the app will need to upload their ID. Over time, the app will be expanded to include other important documents too, such as Blue Badges, PIP letters, DBS checks, and even marriage or birth certificates. Officials hope that by 2027, people will be able to manage most of their key government documents all from one place. The last big shake-up to licences happened back in 1998 when the paper version was replaced by the plastic photocard. In 2015, the paper counterpart was scrapped altogether. This new digital rollout marks the biggest change in nearly three decades. Applications for the digital driving licence will open once the Wallet goes live later this summer. DSIT says a full announcement will be made nearer the time. Drivers are being urged to only download the official app from Apple or Google Play to avoid scams or fake versions. A recent poll of 1,000 motorists by Regtransfers found that fewer than half — just 43 per cent — even knew the change was coming. As the rollout approaches, ministers say public awareness will grow, especially as more services begin to link into the new system. Meanwhile, the European Union is working on its own version of a digital driving licence, which could eventually make cross-border travel easier. That rollout would affect over 440 million drivers — showing just how fast digital ID is becoming the norm across Europe. For now, though, UK drivers are being given the choice, not the requirement,to switch.
The Irish Sun
17-05-2025
- Automotive
- The Irish Sun
Major driving licence change for 50 MILLION Brits to be launched this summer – check how to apply now
A MASSIVE shake-up to driving licences for nearly 50 million Brits is gearing up to launch this summer – and it could change how you prove your identity, drive, and even buy booze. The Government has confirmed that it will begin rolling out digital driving licences as part of a major tech upgrade aimed at modernising public services. 3 The move will affect around 50 million Brits who currently hold a provisional or full driving licence Credit: Getty 3 Those who prefer to keep using their plastic cards can continue doing so Credit: Getty The move will affect around 50 million Brits who currently hold a provisional or full driving licence. Initially, the digital version will sit alongside existing plastic photocards, which will remain valid, but it's expected to eventually be accepted in all the same situations, such as hiring a car, proving your age, or showing ID at the When are digital driving licences coming? A Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) spokesman confirmed to This is Money that a digital driving licence will arrive later this year. "The Wallet will be launched this summer with the first credential being a digital Veteran card. Read more on Motors "Later in the year, we plan to begin rolling out a digital driving licence, which will eventually be usable for everything your paper licence is currently used for. "We're working closely with DVLA and industry to meet this timeline." Is it compulsory to get one? Importantly, the department also made it clear that the digital version is not compulsory. Those who prefer to keep using their plastic cards can continue doing so. Most read in Motors The aim is to offer flexibility while making life easier for people who already use their smartphones for banking, health services and travel. Once launched, drivers who wish to get the digital version will need to download the Wallet app from official app stores. After that, they'll be asked to verify their identity using facial recognition, upload any necessary documents and follow a few simple steps. Once approved, your licence will appear on your phone and be ready to use. It's expected to work similarly to existing digital railcards, giving people quick access to their details and allowing for instant updates. You'll also be able to view things like your driving record, renewal dates, and any endorsements through the app. The change is part of a wider plan to save the Government billions by moving services online. According to ministers, the goal is to improve how people interact with official services and help achieve efficiency savings of up to £45 billion. Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander has described the change as a 'game changer' for the millions who rely on their licence daily, particularly for ID purposes. She said having a secure, digital version on your phone is the natural next step in a digital age. Despite the potential benefits, some concerns have been raised. Critics worry that moving to digital documents could exclude older people or those without smartphones, particularly in rural areas with patchy signal. There are also fears about what might happen if your phone runs out of battery or gets stolen. Research by Quotezone revealed that the nation is split over the idea. Around 49 per cent support the change, but 47 per cent are against it — with many citing concerns over security and data sharing. Some users also prefer the reassurance of having a physical card, particularly when travelling abroad, where digital licences may not yet be accepted. Still, DSIT has stressed that the Wallet will have robust security, using the same kind of two-factor authentication found in most banking apps. And if you ever lose your phone, your licence can be remotely deactivated, preventing anyone else from accessing it. Privacy campaigners have also raised the alarm over how much personal data could be stored in one place. The government says no one will be forced to use the digital wallet and that only those who actively choose to download the app will need to upload their ID. Over time, the app will be expanded to include other important documents too, such as Officials hope that by 2027, people will be able to manage most of their key government documents all from one place. The last big shake-up to licences happened back in 1998 when the paper version was replaced by the plastic photocard. In 2015, the paper counterpart was scrapped altogether. This new digital rollout marks the biggest change in nearly three decades. Applications for the digital driving licence will open once the Wallet goes live later this summer. DSIT says a full announcement will be made nearer the time. Drivers are being urged to only download the official app from Apple or Google Play to avoid scams or fake versions. A recent poll of 1,000 motorists by Regtransfers found that fewer than half — just 43 per cent — even knew the change was coming. As the rollout approaches, ministers say public awareness will grow, especially as more services begin to link into the new system. Meanwhile, the European Union is working on its own version of a digital driving licence, which could eventually make cross-border travel easier. That rollout would affect over 440 million drivers — showing just how fast digital ID is becoming the norm across Europe. For now, though, UK drivers are being given the choice, not the requirement,to switch. 3 The aim is to offer flexibility while making life easier for people who already use their smartphones for banking, health services and travel Credit: Getty
