Starmer considering digital ID scheme to tackle illegal migration

The government is considering a digital ID scheme in a bid to tackle illegal immigration, Sir Keir Starmer has told the BBC.

The prime minister said a new identity programme could play an "important part" in reducing the incentive to enter the UK without permission.

The last Labour government started issuing ID cards to UK citizens, but the scheme was scrapped by the Tory-Liberal Democrat coalition over privacy concerns.

But Sir Keir said he felt the debate had "moved on in the last 20 years".

Speaking to political editor Chris Mason, Sir Keir said: "We all carry a lot more digital ID now than we did twenty years ago, and I think that psychologically, it plays a different part."

Asked whether a new scheme could play a role in reducing the attractiveness of the UK as a destination for illegal migrants, he added: "My instinct is it can play an important part. Obviously we need to look through some of the detail."

He added that, two decades on from the row over New Labours physical ID card scheme, the public was likely to "look differently" at a digital-based scheme.

He did not confirm who would be obliged to acquire a digital ID if the government does go ahead with the scheme.

The comments are the most positive remarks yet by the prime minister about the idea, which is likely to reignite a debate over civil liberties.

The government has previously rejected a digital ID proposal suggested by former Labour Prime Minister Sir Tony Blair, whose government legislated for compulsory identity cards when he was in office.

Around 15,000 were in circulation when the scheme was scrapped by the coalition government in 2011, and the database destroyed.