PM launches digital ID fightback as he promises 'great benefits' for Brits

SIR Keir Starmer faced renewed criticism last night as he battled to save his plan to introduce digital identity cards.

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The Prime Minister insisted the new technology is needed to tackle illegal immigration, and claimed it would bring “great benefits” for Britons.

Sir Keir sees digital IDs as a key tool to stop small-boat crossings, but there are strong fears the tech could be used for surveillance.

The stage is now set for a defining battle of his premiership, as he works to make the IDs mandatory for right-to-work checks before the next general election.

Speaking as his trade mission to Mumbai drew to a close yesterday, the PM said: “We have made a commitment to stop people arriving illegally in the United Kingdom.

“One of the issues is the ability people have to work illegally in our economy.

“We have to do something about it. We can’t shirk that. I think the vast majority, if not everyone in the UK, wants it gripped and we need to therefore take measures necessary to grip it.”