Digital ID could become ‘bedrock of modern state’

One of the prime minister’s closest political allies has suggested Labour’s controversial digital ID cards could be extended to become the “bedrock of the modern state”.

- MILLIE COOKE KATE DEVLIN

Darren Jones, the newly appointed chief secretary to the prime minister, said in the future they could be used for “really quite exciting public service reform", but failed to give details on what that might include.

His comments will spark fears that the so-called “Brit card” would be used for more than just the right to work and rented accommodation as part of a crackdown on illegal migration, as ministers have suggested.

David Frost, a former Tory cabinet minister, said Mr Jones’s remarks were “why so many of us are worried by digital ID”, as a petition against digital ID attracted more than a million signatures.

Sir Keir Starmer faces intense pressure over public services and rising welfare costs, after his own MPs blocked his plan earlier this year to slash £5bn from the social security budget.