Overview
- The Prime Minister reaffirmed a 2029 start for mandatory digital ID to prove the right to work while promoting voluntary uses such as school admissions, passports, banking and accessing public services.
- During a trade trip to Mumbai, Keir Starmer held a half-hour discussion with Aadhaar architect Nandan Nilekani to learn from India’s rollout, with No 10 stressing India is not a blueprint.
- Officials said the UK system is not expected to use biometrics at this stage and would be delivered in the public sector, with IDs stored on smartphones carrying core personal and residency details.
- Starmer called for a national debate and highlighted convenience examples drawn from Estonia and India, including faster access to services and easier payments or banking.
- Public support has slumped, with polling dropping from 35% in early summer to net negative and a petition nearing three million signatures, as ministers signal consultation and reports suggest DSIT will lead delivery.