Overview

• Keir Starmer says the government will proceed despite reports of more than 2.5–2.6 million petition signatures opposing the plan.
• Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood signalled potential use beyond employment checks, citing efforts to tackle benefits fraud.
• Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn confirmed talks with the Irish Government to make the system workable across the border, with a formal consultation to gather views.
• Parties across Northern Ireland, including the DUP and Sinn Féin, condemned the “Brit-card” proposal.
• The digital ID would be mandatory for right‑to‑work verification by 2029, with details expected to require legislation, as supporters point to foreign models and critics warn over privacy and inclusion.