Overview

• The government is maintaining a 2029 target to require the digital credential for right‑to‑work checks.
• In Mumbai, Keir Starmer met Aadhaar architect Nandan Nilekani to hear lessons from India’s rollout to 1.4 billion people, used about 80 million times daily.
• Starmer floated optional uses to simplify tasks such as school admissions, passports, mortgages and access to public services.
• No 10 says the UK will not copy India’s model, with formal consultation planned and a design focused on inclusivity and privacy that does not rely on biometric data.
• Public resistance is mounting with around 2.8 million petition signatures, polling showing net support at -14, and cross‑party criticism including unrest among some Labour MPs.