Overview

• Hilary Benn confirmed talks with the Irish Government to make the system operable in Northern Ireland while respecting the Good Friday Agreement and the Common Travel Area.
• The plan would introduce a free mobile app to verify identity, age and immigration status, making employer right-to-work checks mandatory via the app and replacing document checks, with rollout targeted before the 2029 election.
• Northern Ireland’s main parties have condemned the proposal, with DUP leader Gavin Robinson calling it the wrong approach and Sinn Féin figures branding it ludicrous.
• Public reaction is intense, with more than 2.5 million signatures on petitions opposing digital ID and recent polling showing opinion split over the scheme.
• Ministers say the policy will go to consultation and may require primary legislation, with features informed by systems in countries such as Estonia, Denmark and India.