Keir Starmer was skewered on BBC Breakfast as his digital ID scheme has sparked backlash.
The Prime Minister was brutally slammed on BBC Breakfast this morning after announcing plans for a compulsory UK-wide digital ID scheme. Today, Keir Starmer will officially unveil a speech as part of Labour’s push to address illegal immigration. He said that a new digital ID scheme will make it tougher to work in the UK illegally and provide “countless benefits” to individuals. Despite his belief that the scheme would help crack down on illegal working and modernise the state, the Shadow Secretary of State for Work and Pensions said on BBC Breakfast was not wholly satisfied with his plan. Helen Whately told the breakfast show that the scheme is just a “distraction” from the situation that he’s got himself into and his “failures” to smash the gangs.
She remarked: “This is just a smokescreen for Keir Starmer‘s failures,” and went on to list how Keir Starmer has been under pressure following the departures of deputy Angela Rayner and the sacking of Lord Mandelson.
Announcing his plan in The Telegraph, Sir Keir said: “I know working people are worried about the level of illegal migration into this country. A secure border and controlled migration are reasonable demands, and this government is listening and delivering.”
He remarked: “Digital ID is an enormous opportunity for the UK. It will make it tougher to work illegally in this country, making our borders more secure.
“And it will also offer ordinary citizens countless benefits, like being able to prove your identity to access key services swiftly – rather than hunting around for an old utility bill.”
Keir Starmer is facing pressure following departures of Angela Rayner and Lord Mandelson (Image: Getty)
Sir Keir continued: “There is no doubt that for years, left-wing parties, including my own, did shy away from people’s concerns around illegal immigration.”
His comments come after the Mayor of Greater Manchester said Labour MPs have “privately called on him” to challenge Sir Keir Starmer to become Prime Minister. In the Daily Telegraph, Andy Burnham said he was not “plotting to get back” to Westminster and that Number 10 had created a “climate of fear” among some MPs.
Andy remarked: “People have contacted me throughout the summer […] I’m not going to say to you that that hasn’t happened, but as I say, it’s more a decision for those people than it is for me.” The Manchester mayor is currently not an MP.
