Wednesday October 8th 2025
Photo by UK Parliament
Written by Midlothian View Reporter, Liam Eunson
On the 26th of September, the UK government announced plans to introduce a free digital ID for all residents of the UK in an attempt to combat illegal working whilst making it easier for the vast majority of people to use vital government services.
With the scheme planned to be rolled-out by the end of parliament (before the next general election), this attempt to ‘stop those with no right to be here from being able to find work’ has caused varied opinions across the nation, including Midlothian’s MP Kirsty McNeil and MSP Colin Beattie.
The UK Government explained the digital ID during the announcement as: “It will send a clear message that if you come here illegally, you will not be able to work, detering people from making these dangerous journeys.”
Prime Minister Keir Starmer said:
“I know working people are worried about the level of illegal migration into this country. A secure border and controlled migration are reasonable demands, and this government is listening and delivering.
“Digital ID is an enormous opportunity for the UK. It will make it tougher to work illegally in this country, making our borders more secure. And it will also offer ordinary citizens countless benefits, like being able to prove your identity to access key services swiftly – rather than hunting around for an old utility bill.”
Midlothian’s MP Kirsty McNeil welcomed Keir Starmer’s announcement, explaining that she supports the announcement as it will relieve people from unnecessary admin.
She said:
“I welcome the announcement of the Labour government’s Digital ID programme. Many of us already use different forms of ID when interacting with services and companies – whether it’s a driving licence, a passport or even a library card, and this will free up vital time for front-line workers and relieve people from unnecessary and time-consuming admin.
“Ultimately, this new Digital ID will provide people with a single, secure way to prove their right to work and access services – making the process simpler and fairer for everyone.”
Since the announcement, MSP for Midlothian North and Musselburgh Colin Beattie expressed his concern for the scheme’s privacy, explaining he has little confidence.
He said:
“Whilst I have no fundamental objection to introducing a national entitlement card of some sort, I have little confidence in the scheme being proposed by the UK Government.
“At the moment there is no thought given to citizens without access to smart phones or any wider risk analysis as to its introduction.
“Whilst Labour claim this will curb irregular immigration or expose undocumented workers, I don’t believe this claim holds water as fake documents seem easy to obtain.
“There is also concerns over personal privacy which I share.
“With all these points, I cannot see the justification for spending a large amount of money on a policy with no clear outcomes or benefits.”
With work for a digital ID and digital driving licence already underway, the UK government plans to launch a consultation later this year where a range of views and concerns will be listened to, which may include shared concerns surrounding Colin Beattie’s worry of invasion of privacy.
Claiming that the plan holds no water and won’t be worth the large costs, the planned roll out is causing differing opinions amongst the public and political figures.
A petition against the proposal on the UK Government and Parliament’s website has gained (at this moment) 2,840,530 signatures, being significantly more than the 100,000 mark that forces that parliament to consider the issue for a debate.
Tweet Share on Facebook
