Sir Keir Starmer is encountering increasing pressure to abandon his proposed Digital ID scheme following a recent survey indicating that a majority of the public now opposes the initiative. The poll, conducted by YouGov, reveals a significant decline in support for the policy since Starmer announced plans for mandatory Digital ID for right-to-work checks.
In June 2025, 57 percent of respondents expressed support for the introduction of a national identity card system, while only 25 percent were against it. However, a December 2025 survey of 1,700 British citizens showed that support had dropped to 38 percent, with opposition rising to 47 percent. Notably, 31 percent of those against the proposal stated they were “strongly opposed,” an increase from just 12 percent six months earlier. Conversely, only 14 percent of supporters claimed to “strongly support” the scheme, down from 24 percent in the summer.
Concerns about the Digital ID scheme intensified following reports that government ministers discussed potentially issuing Digital IDs to newborns alongside the “red book” of child health records provided to parents. As of now, the government has not clarified the full scope of the scheme or its cost, although a public consultation has been promised for early 2026.
Growing Opposition Voices
Opposition to the ID cards has surged since Starmer proposed the policy in September 2025. Shadow Science Secretary Julia Lopez criticized the initiative, describing it as a “gimmick” that raises fundamental questions about privacy, scope, and control. She stated, “Digital ID should be voluntary, limited, and built around consent. It should never force people into a single system just to live their everyday lives.” Lopez further urged Starmer to reconsider the plan if he wishes to improve his popularity, emphasizing that voters are wary of a government-issued digital pass for daily activities.
Adding to the criticism, Silkie Carlo, Director of the civil rights group Big Brother Watch, asserted, “The public didn’t vote for, don’t need, and don’t want digital ID cards.” Carlo warned that continuing with a mandatory scheme would be “deeply undemocratic” and an affront to public trust. She highlighted the potential financial burden, noting that the ID scheme could cost taxpayers an estimated £1.8 billion. Carlo also expressed concern about the implications of extending digital IDs to infants, suggesting that the government is using immigration control as a pretext for a broader data collection agenda.
Independent MP Rupert Lowe characterized the proposal as “sick” and “un-British,” vowing to oppose it within Parliament. The backlash against the scheme has sparked a wider debate about civil liberties and government transparency.
In response to the mounting criticism, a government spokesperson defended the Digital ID initiative, asserting that it would simplify everyday interactions and enhance the efficiency of public services, while remaining inclusive. As the debate continues, it remains to be seen how the Labour leader will address these growing concerns and whether he will reconsider the implementation of the Digital ID policy.
