Overview

• Hilary Benn confirmed discussions with the Irish Government on practical arrangements for Northern Ireland, pledging to uphold existing cross-border frameworks.
• The government says the digital ID will be a free mobile credential used by employers for right-to-work checks, replacing document verification, with rollout targeted before the 2029 election.
• Parties across Northern Ireland have condemned the proposal, while Dublin has stated it has no plans to introduce mandatory ID cards in the Republic.
• Ministers say the proposal will go to public consultation and could require primary legislation before any implementation.
• Public response is split, with a YouGov poll showing 42% support and 45% opposition, more than 2.5 million petition signatures against, and critics raising privacy, cybersecurity and digital exclusion concerns as officials cite models from Estonia, Denmark and India.