Keir Starmer's latest comments suggest that his controversial BritCard scheme could go on to be used in the everyday lives of residents, despite initially claiming that it would only be used for work and living purposes.
The prime minister made headlines last month when he announced that a new digital ID scheme would be rolled out over the next few years across the UK.
Many Brits shared their discontent as over 2.8 million signed a petition which called for the government to pull plans for the new ID cards, which will be known as 'BritCards'.
They are set to be stored on smartphones, with their sole use being to prove someone's right to work and live in the UK, as well as proving their access to public services.
Advert
Keir Starmer called it an 'enormous opportunity' for the country, stating: "It will make it tougher to work illegally in this country, making our borders more secure."
Speaking of the system during his first major trade mission to India, he said that the form of ID could even be used by Brits to prove their identity.
Starmer said the scheme could be used like this on a voluntary basis, which would make it easier to apply for public services, such as childcare and benefits.
He also said that he will continue with plans to roll the digital ID out despite the backlash.
While in India, the 63-year-old even met Infosys' Nandan Nilekani, who is responsible for founding India's own biometric ID system, which has over one billion people on its database.
The British leader was asked about killing off support for the BritCard, to which he said: "We need to address the fact that too many people can come to this country and work illegally, and that's why ID mandatory for working is really important.
"I think there is a case to be made about the benefits for voluntary ID into other areas.
"On the one hand, it's mandatory for work, but I think it'd be a good passport."
Who will need a BritCard?
It was revealed by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology that it 'will not be mandatory for everyone in the UK to have a digital ID', with the BritCard only being required for those who are working or looking to buy/rent a property.
Starmer stated that he knew 'working people [who] are worried about the level of illegal migration into this country', adding that the Labour government is aiming to have a 'secure border and controlled migration' which he described as 'reasonable demands'.
He went on: "We are doing the hard graft to deliver a fairer Britain for those who want to see change, not division.
"That is at the heart of our Plan for Change, which is focused on delivering for those who want to see their communities thrive again."
What will be included on the BritCard?
The government confirmed that the BritCard will 'include name, date of birth, information on nationality or residency status, and a photo - as the basis for biometric security', similar to an eVisa or Passport.
It is still undecided if additional information, like a home address, would be included on the form of ID.
Topics: Keir Starmer, UK News, Politics, Technology
Joshua Nair