The Prime Minister of the United Kingdom announced the implementation of mandatory digital identification for workers
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The British government, led by Prime Minister Keir Starmer, announced this Friday that it will require all workers in the country to possess a mandatory digital identity document before the end of the current parliamentary term.
The measure, which will be free of charge and will primarily aim to control illegal immigration, also seeks to curb the immense growth of the right-wing Reform UK party, led by Nigel Farage.
The announcement was made during the Global Progress Action Summit, where Starmer shared the stage with the leaders of Canada, Australia, and Iceland. In his speech, the Labour leader acknowledged that both his party and other center-left governments have historically been "timid" or "evasive" when addressing voters' concerns about immigration.
Starmer se ve fuertemente amenazado por el gran crecimiento de Nigel Farage
This lack of action, according to Starmer, has allowed the growth of "populist" proposals such as that of Reform UK, which he described as his main political rival ahead of the 2029 general elections.
"In the United Kingdom, we are facing a right-wing proposal like we've never had before," Starmer stated, noting that the true political dispute of this era is between a "patriotic national renewal" and a "divisive and toxic narrative promoted by parties like Reform UK."
In this context, the implementation of a digital identity system could represent an attempt to balance migration control with a narrative of order and state modernization.
Starmer declaró que esta medida funcionará como parte de un control migratorio
The digital document will be stored on citizens' mobile phones and will be required as part of the identity verification process when being hired by an employer.
In the medium and long term, the government plans to expand its use to services such as access to social benefits, childcare, and tax records. The goal is to establish a comprehensive, modern, and efficient system for the management of public services and migration control.
However, the proposal has been met with harsh criticism from the opposition and other political sectors. A Reform UK spokesperson described the measure as useless and naive, noting that illegal immigrants who already violate immigration laws will not be deterred by a digital document.
"It's ridiculous to think that those who are already outside the formal system will comply with this, or that it will stop illegal work, which thrives thanks to cash payments," he declared.
La oposición británica ha criticado fuertemente a la medida de Starmer
Concerns about the privacy of personal data have also emerged. According to an Ipsos survey conducted in July, although 57% of Britons support some form of national identity, around 30% expressed concerns regarding the unauthorized use of their information, the possible sale of data to private companies, and the risk of security breaches.
The United Kingdom has a complicated history with identity systems. Identification cards were abolished after World War II, and a previous attempt by the Labour Party in the 2000s to introduce them was abandoned for reasons related to civil liberties. Currently, Britons usually use passports or driver's licenses to prove their identity.
Additionally, the country has a negative reputation regarding the implementation of large government technology projects, often marked by delays and cost overruns. Starmer's government, however, has assured that it will model the system after those of countries such as Estonia, Denmark, Australia, and India to design a robust and reliable platform.
Objections also arose from Northern Ireland. First Minister Michelle O'Neill described the proposal as "absurd and ill-conceived," recalling that many in that region hold Irish passports and reject symbols of British authority, which could make the implementation of this measure even more divisive.
La primera ministra de Irlanda también ha lanzado su gran rechazo hacia este tipo de identificación
