UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer in the Downing Street Briefing Room, Westminster, in February 2025. Image Credit: Leon Neal/PA
(The Post News) -United Kingdom Prime Minister Keir Starmer is facing heavy criticism for his national digital ID scheme proposal as a method to curb illegal immigration. Opponents raise concerns over privacy violations and argue that the plan is “dystopian.”
What is the Brit Card Scheme?
To be presented by Keir Starmer on Friday, the Brit Card Scheme is a proposal where adult British nationals would register for government-issued digital identity cards to verify that they are not illegal immigrants. The plan is meant to curb mounting concerns over illegal immigration and illegal migrants working in the UK.
The announcement follows the largest anti-immigration protest in the UK and European countries deciding to enforce more measures to stop illegal migration. It is reported that the model follows Estonia’s already implemented and mandatory digital ID plan.
According to surveys conducted in December, 25% of respondents were very in favor of the system, 53% were only in favor of it, and 19% were against it. The system was first established 20 years ago.
The Tony Blair Institute’s (TBI) director of government innovation, Alexander Iosad, says, “Not only can digital ID help us to tackle illegal migration, but done correctly and responsibly, it can open the door to a whole new model of services that come to you when you need them”.
Criticism and Resistance to Starmer’s Plan?
While the plan has a lot of supporters, the criticism is just as loud. Civil liberty groups struggle to see how this would stop illegal migration, claiming it would lead to a “dystopian nightmare.” Additionally, a petition to scrap the plan has been signed by more than 505,000 people.
Civil groups argue that it would force illegal migrants into “more precarious work and unsafe housing,” raising crime and making the off-the-books landlords richer. They also say it would make British citizens vulnerable to mass state-sponsored privacy breaches and cyberattacks.
Nigel Farage, next in line to challenge Starmer for the prime ministership, agreed with critics that the plan is ineffective and warned it could be used to “control and penalize” British citizens. He notes that this is why the state should not be given too much power.
Please share your thoughts, contact Lukhona via email: journalist-lukhona@thepostnews.net
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