Intrusive ID cards will do nothing to stop small boats

Keir Starmer had an emergency meeting on Tuesday with his new chief secretary, Darren Jones, and other ministers, to discuss the migration problem. Apparently, one of the things they want to consider further is compulsory digital IDs to crack down on illegal working.

- JOHN RENTOUL

As a Blairite, I know I ought to come over all Professor Higgins and say, “By George, I think he’s got it.” Tony Blair’s institute has been pumping out analyses of how a digital identity database is the solution to everything from welfare reform to school absences.

But I have never really been convinced. When Blair was in Downing Street and the first trundlings of the juggernaut of ID cards became audible, I was always put off by the cost. Indeed, it was on cost grounds that the coalition government cancelled the scheme.

Cost is relative, of course. If an ID scheme could stop the boats now, it would be worth paying billions – although where Rachel Reeves would find yet more money is an evermore impenetrable mystery.