Controversial plans from the prime minister to deploy digital ID technology to tackle illegal immigration has prompted a backlash from Labour figures.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer said on Thursday evening: “Digital ID will be a huge help in tackling illegal immigration. But it’s so much more than that. It will empower people every single day by giving you a new way to prove who you are.
“It is time to put power back in people’s hands and bring the UK into the modern age.”
The government’s digital ID plans have been heavily criticised by MPs outside of Labour, including figures from the Green Party, Reform UK and independents including former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn.
There has also been a UK petition signed by roughly three million people opposing the introduction of digital ID.
The prime minister appears now to be facing a backlash from within his own party, with Richard Burgon, Labour MP for Leeds East, announcing via social media that he will be voting against the introduction of Digital ID.
I will be voting against this. https://t.co/U9ihUS4zRf
— Richard Burgon MP (@RichardBurgon) October 23, 2025
Research conducted by Checkout.com earlier this year found that consumers in the UK are among the least trusting of digital ID solutions in the world.
A survey from the firm found that just 32% of Britons said they trusted the practice.
