PM to announce plan to bring in digital ID cards

HE Government is set to introduce digital ID cards to tackle illegal migration.

- HARRY TAYLOR

The announcement will be made by Sir Keir Starmer during a speech today, it is understood.

The so-called Brit-Card will be subject to consultation and thought to require legislation, as first reported by The i Paper.

The scheme will allow the verification of a citizen’s right to live and work in the UK.

Under the plans, anyone starting a new job or looking to rent a home would be required to show the card on a smartphone app.

It would then be checked against a central database of people entitled to live and work in the UK.

It is hoped this would reduce the attraction of working in the UK illegally, including for delivery companies.

This comes amid calls from French President Emmanuel Macron for the UK to reduce “pull factors” for migrants to cross to come to the UK.

A total of 1,157 people have arrived on small boats in the last week, according to Home Office statistics.

Sir Keir is due to speak at the Global Progress Action Summit in London alongside Australian prime minister Anthony Albanese and Canadian prime minister Mark Carney.