UK: Petition Against Mandatory Digital ID Cards Reaches 1.6 Million Signatures

More than 1.6 million people have signed a petition opposing Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s proposal to introduce mandatory digital ID cards for UK workers by 2029.

The petition argues that “no one should be forced to register with a state-controlled ID system,” describing the move as a “step towards mass surveillance and digital control.”

Under parliamentary rules, any petition with over 100,000 signatures can be considered for debate in the House of Commons.

However, campaigners acknowledge such petitions rarely succeed in changing government policy. For example, a petition to reverse Brexit attracted more than six million signatures but failed to influence the outcome.

Starmer, who defended the plans on Friday, described digital ID as “an enormous opportunity” for the country. He argued it would help secure the UK’s borders and reduce illegal migration.

“I know working people are worried about the level of illegal migration into this country,” the prime minister said.

“A secure border and controlled migration are reasonable demands, and this government is listening and delivering.

“Digital ID is an enormous opportunity for the UK. It will make it tougher to work illegally in this country, making our borders more secure.”

He added that the proposed “Brit card” would provide citizens with “countless benefits,” such as quickly proving their identity to access services “rather than hunting around for an old utility bill.”

Civil liberties groups, however, have strongly criticised the proposals. Silkie Carlo, director of Big Brother Watch, said the scheme risked creating “a domestic mass surveillance infrastructure” that could expand beyond citizenship checks to cover benefits, tax, health, and even internet data.

“Incredibly sensitive information about each and every one of us would be hoarded by the state and vulnerable to cyber-attacks,” she warned.

Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy sought to reassure critics, saying ministers had “no intention of pursuing a dystopian mess.”

Opposition parties have also come out against the plan. Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch pledged her party would resist “mandatory ID cards on law-abiding citizens,” while Reform UK leader Nigel Farage branded the proposal “an anti-British card.”

Writing in the Daily Express, Farage said: “The Labour government’s plan to impose digital ID cards on all adults will do nothing to combat illegal immigration. But it will give the state more power to control the British people.”