The plan, first outlined by Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer in September, is designed to address illegal working and improve access to public services. Yet growing opposition and a wave of protests highlight the divisive nature of the project, as concerns grow over data privacy, government overreach, and cost transparency.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The UK Government\u2019s proposed digital ID<\/strong><\/a> programme<\/strong> has come under renewed scrutiny following reports that the system could potentially extend to include infants at birth<\/strong>. According to the Daily Mail<\/em>, Cabinet Office minister Josh Simons has held private meetings in which the idea of incorporating newborn children<\/strong> into the scheme was raised. Though no official confirmation has been given, the report states that Simons pointed to international models where digital identity is assigned from birth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In a statement, a Government spokesperson denied any mandatory application beyond employment-related checks. \u201cThe only mandatory area of the programme will be for digital right-to-work checks. Only people starting a new job will need to use the scheme,\u201d the spokesperson said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Despite the Government\u2019s reassurance, the suggestion of a broader application has prompted criticism from opposition parties. Shadow Cabinet Office minister Mike Wood <\/strong>described the idea as a \u201cdeeply sinister overreach by Labour,\u201d citing concerns about state surveillance and intrusion into personal freedoms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Government has maintained that any expansion of the programme remains \u201chypothetical\u201d<\/strong>, according to a Whitehall source cited by the Daily Mail<\/em>. They added that \u201cno one will be forcing\u201d children to have digital IDs, and that a formal consultation would be carried out before any final decisions are made.<\/p>\n\n\n\nCost, Protests and Privacy Concerns Add Pressure to Controversial Policy<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n