What will be used in place for ID checks as Keir Starmer makes U-turn on compulsory digital ID ‘BritCard’

Here are the documents which will be used for mandatory ID checks after the UK Government reportedly rolled back the planned 'BritCard' scheme.

Just months after proudly announcing that Brits would be required to carry a digital form of ID on their mobile phones 'before the end of this parliament', it would appear that Keir Starmer has already made a U-turn on a major part of the scheme.

According to a report from The Times published yesterday (13 January), Starmer's government has decided against enforcing the mandatory aspect of the scheme following backlash.

"Stepping back from mandatory-use cases will deflate one of the main points of contention," a source told the newspaper.

The scheme was announced last year as a method to curb illegal immigration (Tony Blair Institute)

"We do not want to risk there being cases of some 65-year-old in a rural area being barred from working because he hasn’t installed the ID."

The decision to roll out compulsory ID cards for all working-age Brits is not a popular one, with over two million disgruntled people signing a petition against it.

Labour had always suggested that downloading and installing the card would be a voluntary decision; however, it's clear that anyone who didn't have a digital ID would face issues when it came to being employed.

What will be used for ID checks instead of the BritCard?

Given the fact that the scheme had been billed as a method to curb illegal immigration and the so-called 'shadow economy' of undeclared workers in the UK, you may be wondering what will be used instead.

To which the answer is the same checks we're currently using, as The Times understands that documents such as an electronic visa or passport will also be valid alongside a digital ID.

However, this would also mean that anyone without the above documents would be able to apply for an ID to prove they are able to work in the UK.

And instantly became a divisive one (Mark Kerrison/In Pictures via Getty Images)

What has the government said about the BritCard U-turn?

The Labour government is yet to confirm a roll-back on the mandatory aspect of the scheme, which means there's still a chance we're all expected to have downloaded digital IDs by 2029.

Responding to reports, a government spokesperson said they were 'committed' to digital right-to-work checks.

"Currently, right-to-work checks include a hodgepodge of paper-based systems with no record of checks ever taking place. This is open to fraud and abuse.

"We have always been clear that details on the digital ID scheme will be set out following a full public consultation, which will launch shortly.

"Digital ID will make everyday life easier for people, ensuring public services are more personal, joined-up, and effective, while also remaining inclusive."