First Minister Criticizes UK Digital ID Scheme as 'Ludicrous'
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer's proposal for a new digital ID scheme has been unanimously rejected by all five main parties in Northern Ireland. The mandatory ID card would include a person's name, date of birth, nationality or residency status, and a photo. First Minister Michelle O'Neill criticized the plan, calling it "ludicrous" and an "attack" on the Good Friday Agreement, which allows people in Northern Ireland to identify as British, Irish, or both.
O'Neill's Sinn Féin colleague, South Down MP Chris Hazzard, referred to the scheme as a "Britcard." The Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) leader Gavin Robinson expressed doubts about the effectiveness of the scheme in curbing illegal immigration. Alliance MP Sorcha Eastwood and Social Democratic and Labour Party (SDLP) leader Claire Hanna also criticized the proposal, highlighting concerns about its practicality and impact on daily life in Northern Ireland.
The Ulster Unionist Party (UUP) also opposed the ID card plans, describing them as an "excessive and ill-conceived initiative" that infringes on citizens' privacy rights. Despite the opposition, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer defended the scheme, stating that it would help combat illegal work in the UK and bring benefits to citizens. The implementation details of the scheme will be subject to consultation to address concerns such as accessibility for individuals without smartphones or passports.
The previous attempt to introduce ID cards by the Labour government was blocked by the Conservative-Liberal Democrat coalition. The proposed UK-wide digital ID cards have sparked opposition from both Sinn Féin and the DUP in Northern Ireland due to concerns about identity rights and civil liberties. The government's plan aims to make digital ID mandatory for work in the UK by the end of the current parliament, emphasizing the importance of border control and knowing who is in the country.
Employers in the UK already verify the right to work of prospective employees. Since 2022, digital verification services certified by the government have been used to check the status of British and Irish passport holders. The government has been transitioning to online-only eVisas for foreign residents and phasing out physical permits. Critics of the ID scheme warn of potential privacy issues and the creation of a "pre-crime state" where individuals are constantly required to prove their identity.
The digital ID will contain essential information like name, date of birth, nationality or residency status, and a photo. It will not be mandatory to carry the ID at all times, with the primary requirement being to prove the right to work in the UK. The government plans to model the digital ID system after successful implementations in countries like Australia, Estonia, Denmark, and India, aiming to provide access to various services such as child benefits, healthcare, and education records.