A group of Labour MPs is urging the UK government to adopt digital ID cards as a strategic move to enhance economic growth and boost the efficiency of the public sector. Leading this initiative are Lola McEvoy and Jake Richards, who are supported by a cohort of Labour backbenchers predominantly elected in the July general election. Their campaign aims to convince ministers to integrate digital ID across a wide range of policy areas, with plans to ramp up efforts in the coming weeks.
The initiative has garnered support from approximately 50 Labour MPs and is gaining traction within Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s Cabinet. McEvoy, who serves on the Treasury select committee and is also the vice-chair of the Labour Growth Group, has emphasized the potential of digital ID to streamline government operations, likening it to a catalyst for efficiency in Whitehall.
“It is part of Labour’s duty to deliver this digitization agenda because it supports every government department, » McEvoy remarked. Highlighting the productivity advantages, she continued, « it’s fundamental to transforming the state’s role and enhancing government services. » Identifying this as a significant growth opportunity, McEvoy pointed to potential job creation as well.
Financial Considerations and Implementation
The initial rollout cost for digital ID has been estimated by the Tony Blair Institute think tank to be around £1bn. However, proponents argue that this sum is justified as the government could recoup costs over time through increased tax revenues and decreased public expenditure. McEvoy cited improvements in the NHS as an area where digital IDs could cut red tape, simplifying processes like booking GP appointments and reducing patient waiting times.
“We observe it in GP surgeries, where people become frustrated by the complexity and inefficiency of current systems,” McEvoy noted. She emphasized the importance of modernizing public services, adding that digital IDs could usher government processes into the 21st century.
Building Consensus
The proposal has attracted attention within Labour’s internal circles like the Labour Growth Group and Labour Together, both closely connected to Starmer’s leadership team. A forthcoming policy paper from Labour Together, spearheaded by Kirsty Innes, aims to explore how digital ID could help curb illegal immigration, reinforcing the proposal’s multifaceted benefits.
Richards, a key figure in the initiative, expressed that the move is crucial for escaping what he termed a « doom loop » of stagnated productivity. « We’re investing more in public services but seeing diminishing returns, » he said. “Improving productivity is essential for getting out of this cycle. A quick rollout of this program could dramatically improve access to public services. » He believes the policy has the potential to unify different segments of the Labour Party by contributing meaningfully to the government’s primary objective: economic growth.
Richards claims strong backing across various party lines, stating, « I’ve yet to encounter significant opposition within the party. The previous debates over ID cards seem to have left little residue.” According to a survey conducted by More in Common, published in The Times, public sentiment largely favors digital IDs, especially in the ‘red wall’ constituencies in the North and Midlands. Polls indicate that 53% of people support the initiative, with significant approval from Conservative and Reform voters as well.
Despite the positive reception, the Department for Science, Innovation, and Technology clarified there are no current plans to mandate digital IDs, emphasizing that using technology should remain optional. « Trusted providers are already efficiently conducting digital checks, enhancing access to services while promoting productivity and economic growth, » a government spokesperson mentioned. People will still retain the option of using traditional physical documents if preferred.