ID cards boost to borders

App could tackle illegal immigration, Claims it reduces Britain's 'pull factor'

- BY DAVE BURKE Political Correspondent

DIGITAL ID cards could be brought in to clamp down on illegal immigration in Britain, it has been suggested.

Keir Starmer is said to be considering the move as he comes under pressure over small boat crossings and yesterday met senior ministers to discuss it.

The PM hopes ID cards, which will be on smartphones, will act as a deterrent to migrants hoping to arrive in the UK and disappear before trying to work illegally.

It also emerged that the Home Office is considering housing asylum seekers in former military bases or industrial sites in a bid to stop using hotels, many of which have become the focus of protests.

Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster Pat McFadden had warned Britain was "behind the curve" on stopping illegal work and said digital ID cards may help.

The PM's spokesman said: "We're willing to look at what works when it comes to tackling illegal migration, and the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster referenced that over the weekend in terms of applications of digital ID to the system.

"The point here is looking at what works, ensuring that we're doing what we can to address some of the drivers of illegal migration, tackle those pull factors, ensure that we're doing everything we can to crack down on illegal working"