A petition has been launched demanding that the UK Government immediately rule out the introduction of digital ID cards. Campaigners argue that such a system would mark a step towards mass surveillance and state control, and believe no one should be forced to register with a centralised, government-controlled ID. They point out that ID cards were scrapped in 2010 and say that decision was made for good reason.
The petition has so far attracted more than 2.7 million signatures, far exceeding the 100,000 required for Parliament to consider a debate. A date for debate is still pending, though the petition has already prompted a formal government response.
At this juncture, the industry response is determined on the private sector meeting with OfDIA and GDS in the near future to see what they have to say.
On 2 October 2025, the Government confirmed its intention to introduce a new national digital identity during this Parliament. Ministers argue the system will help tackle illegal migration and modern slavery, make access to public services easier and more secure, and reduce bureaucracy and fraud. On the contrary, some argue that digital IDs are hard to sell on the back of illegal immigration.
The Government plans to launch a public consultation in the coming weeks and work with employers, trade unions, civil society groups and other stakeholders to co-design the programme. Following consultation, it intends to introduce legislation to support the system. Despite opposition from campaigners, ministers insist that a modern, secure digital identity is necessary to bring the UK’s public services in line with other advanced digital societies.
Ministers are also currently consulting on whether children aged 13–16 should be included in a national digital ID scheme, citing that many already hold forms of digital ID and some start part-time work from age 13 or 14. This proposal has faced strong opposition too, with a petition obtaining nearly three million signatures and privacy groups, including Big Brother Watch, labelling it mass surveillance.
