Starmer unveils plans for new national digital ID to ‘bring Britain into the modern age’

The Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer outlined his Digital ID plans during a visit to Barclays Bank in London

Prime Minister Keir Starmer has announced plans for a new national digital ID system designed to simplify how people prove their identity, access essential services, and interact with businesses and government.

Speaking during a visit to a Barclays Bank branch on Thursday, Mr Starmer said the initiative would “cut paperwork, save time, and help people access services quickly, safely and securely.”

The Prime Minister described the scheme as a cornerstone of his government’s push to modernise the state and reduce unnecessary bureaucracy, likening the digital ID to a “boarding pass to getting on in life.”

“Digitisation has already transformed so many parts of our lives – from how we shop, travel and bank,” Mr Starmer said.

“But there’s so much more we can do to make people’s lives easier, simpler and more secure.

“The digital ID is about putting power back in people’s hands, cutting the faff out of rummaging through drawers for documents and pointless bureaucracy we have accepted for too long while bringing Britain into the modern age.”

Free for all citizens and residents

Under the government’s plans, every British citizen and legal resident will be entitled to a digital ID free of charge, with the aim of helping those without passports or driving licences to open bank accounts, apply for jobs, or rent homes more easily.

At present, many people are required to show paper documents such as old utility bills or physical forms of photo ID to access even basic services. The government argues that a secure digital identity will “level the playing field for millions”, cutting out time-consuming verification steps and preventing fraud.

Examples outlined by the Prime Minister include:

• Social levelling: Providing every individual with free photo ID to make employment and banking more accessible.

• Housing: Allowing renters to instantly verify their right to rent without paperwork.

• Financial services: Enabling people to apply for mortgages or open bank accounts digitally.

• Fraud prevention: Keeping identity information securely on personal devices rather than in physical form.

A public consultation will open before the end of the year to shape how the system will operate and ensure it is “secure, trusted and inclusive.”

Building on wider digital transformation

The digital ID proposal builds upon the government’s broader Digital Inclusion Action Plan, which aims to ensure no one is left behind in an increasingly online economy. It also complements the rollout of digital versions of other documents, such as the Veteran Card.

Officials believe the digital ID could streamline checks for the Right to Work and Right to Rent, helping employers comply with regulations while clamping down on illegal employment practices.

Widespread opposition and privacy concerns

However, the government’s announcement has already drawn significant criticism from civil liberties groups, privacy campaigners, and opposition parties, who warn that a centralised digital identity system could open the door to excessive data collection and state surveillance.

Organisations such as Big Brother Watch and the Open Rights Group have expressed fears that the scheme risks becoming a “digital ID by stealth”, citing concerns over how personal data would be stored and who could access it.

Critics also point to the failure of previous ID card proposals under earlier governments, arguing that public trust in government data systems remains fragile after a series of cybersecurity breaches and data leaks.

A spokesperson for the Open Rights Group said:

“Digital ID systems have been misused in other countries to track and control citizens. The UK must not follow that path. Any such system must be voluntary, decentralised, and privacy-preserving.”

Privacy advocates are also calling for strict legal safeguards, independent oversight, and transparent public consultation before any rollout.

Public consultation to shape future rollout

The government insists that the new digital ID will be voluntary, not mandatory, and that individuals will retain control over how their data is shared. Officials stress that robust privacy protections and data security standards will underpin the system’s design.

The public consultation, due to begin later this year, will gather input from citizens, businesses, and experts to ensure the scheme commands public confidence.

While the Prime Minister says the plan represents “a modern solution to an outdated system”, the debate around digital identity in Britain looks set to continue — balancing convenience and innovation with privacy and trust.