Overview
- Ministers signalled that a single government digital ID will not be the sole way to prove the right to work by 2029, according to multiple reports.
- The government says digital right‑to‑work checks will still be compulsory, with options likely to include electronic visas or e‑passports rather than a new universal ID alone.
- Keir Starmer and Chancellor Rachel Reeves said checks will be digital and mandatory, as the Prime Minister faces questioning in the Commons today over the policy shift.
- Officials say the consultation will launch shortly and that implementing any scheme will require primary legislation, leaving the programme’s final design and timing undecided.
- Opponents branded the move another U‑turn, citing falling public support and a provisional £1.8bn three‑year cost estimate from the OBR, while civil‑liberties groups urged wider rethink.