Reform UK leader hits out at Prime Minister over digital ID climbdown.
The Reform UK leader has been a vocal critic of digital ID plans (Image: GB NEWS)
Nigel Farage ripped into Sir Keir Starmer over his digital ID U-turn. The Prime Minister is reportedly watering down plans so the scheme is voluntary rather than mandatory in order to work in Britain.
Speaking on GB News, the Reform UK leader said: “The announcement of compulsory digital ID was I thought one of Starmer’s worst moments yet. Oh they told us it would stop illegal immigration, they told us it would stop illegal working, they told us it would make our health records even better and more efficient.
“Of course the counter arguments were that it’s Big Brother gone mad, the counter arguments were that all this data would just leak anyway as nearly all of it does.
“It was very interesting because the public in a snap poll by about 70% to 30% when they heard the initial argument it would stop illegal working were in favour of it. Once the country had debated it for a couple of weeks it kind of went 70% to 30% the other way.
“This government is astonishing. It announces initiative after initiative and gets forced to change its mind.”
Sir Keir announced plans for mandatory digital ID to work in the UK in September by 2029 in a bid to tackle the small boats crisis.
He said at the time: “Let me spell it out: you will not be able to work in the United Kingdom if you do not have digital ID.”
But the policy sparked an intense backlash with nearly three million people signing a petition against it.
A government spokesperson said: “We are committed to mandatory digital right to work checks.
“We have always been clear that details on the digital ID scheme will be set out following a full public consultation which will launch shortly.
“Digital ID will make everyday life easier for people, ensuring public services are more personal, joined-up, and effective, while also remaining inclusive.”
