Overview

• Keir Starmer convened ministers to examine digital IDs as part of efforts to reduce Channel crossings and illegal employment.
• Downing Street refused to rule out a compulsory system, saying it would look at what works to cut pull factors.
• Options under discussion include requiring the credential for new jobs, with potential use for housing moves, benefit claims and public services.
• Cabinet Office minister Pat McFadden is leading the review after studying Estonia’s model, with technical design, safeguards and costs still undecided.
• French pressure to curb pull factors and plans to replace asylum hotels with modular, industrial or ex‑military sites are shaping the wider approach.