BritCard digital ID won’t be mandatory for ‘everyone in the UK’

A fact-checking charity has insisted that digital ID cards won't be mandatory for everyone in the UK.

Last month, Downing Street announced a proposal for a new digital ID scheme available to all UK citizens and legal residents.

The identity card, to be stored on smartphones, would be used to prove a person's right to work and to access public services. Even if you live in Britain, you won't be able to get a new job without one.

"Digital ID is an enormous opportunity for the UK," Sir Keir Starmer said.

"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."

In response to the announcement, the Liberal Democrats stated: "Keir Starmer says everyone in the UK will be required to have mandatory digital ID.

"That’s not the kind of country we want to be - one where people are forced to turn over their private data just to go about their daily lives."

Keir Starmer has faced backlash over the announcement (Benjamin Cremel - WPA Pool/Getty Images)

However, a team of independent fact checkers at the Full Fact charity pointed out that this wouldn't apply to those who are not working, such as 'people who are retired'.

"We couldn’t find any evidence Mr Starmer claimed digital IDs would be mandatory for everyone," they wrote, directly addressing the Liberal Democrats' claim.

The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology also added that 'it will not be mandatory for everyone in the UK to have a digital ID'.

“If you wish to work in the UK, your employers will be legally required to check your digital ID as proof of right to work,” they said.

Not everyone is on board with the idea of a digital ID card (Christopher Furlong/Getty Images)

What the Prime Minister did say was that he was aware of 'working people [who] 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 said.

"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."

The government added: "The new digital ID will be the authoritative proof of who someone is and their residency status in this country.

"It will therefore include name, date of birth, information on nationality or residency status, and a photo - as the basis for biometric security – just like an eVisa or Passport.

"The consultation will consider whether including additional information, like address, would be helpful."

LADbible Group has contacted the Prime Minister's office for comment.