A Government source told The Times that the compulsory element ‘was stopping conversation about what digital IDs could be used for generally’. There will be mandatory digital checks for work.’Mr Tapp also said announcements will be made in due course. The digital ID would contain personal information, including your name, date of birth, nationality or residency status information and a photo. The mandatory digital ID plans were roundly torn apart by MPs from a cross-section of the parties during a parliamentary debate last month. We welcome Starmer’s reported U-turn on making intrusive, expensive and unnecessary digital IDs mandatory.

Source: The Times January 13, 2026 18:47 UTC