The UK Government has issued a response after a petition calling for the abandonment of digital identification cards gained more than 2.8 million signatures. Despite widespread opposition, ministers confirmed that the new system will be introduced “within this Parliament.”
The petition, created by campaigner Maxim Sutcliff, describes any national ID system as “a step towards mass surveillance and digital control.” It calls on the Government to immediately halt plans for a nationwide digital identity programme, arguing that “no one should be forced to register with a state-controlled ID system.” Sutcliff also reminded supporters that physical ID cards were previously scrapped in 2010, saying this was done “for good reason.”
The massive public response has pushed the issue onto the parliamentary agenda, with officials confirming that it may be debated in the coming months.
In its official reply, the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) defended the initiative, stating that a digital ID will help tackle illegal migration, simplify access to government services, and make the system more efficient. The department added: “We will introduce a digital ID within this Parliament to help tackle illegal migration, make accessing government services easier, and enable wider efficiencies. We will consult on details soon.”
According to the DSIT, the proposed digital ID — often referred to as the BritCard — will not be a physical card but a free digital identity available to all UK citizens and legal residents aged 16 and above. The department noted that the system aims to “make people’s everyday lives easier and more secure” while giving individuals more control over their own data.
Officials argue that the current process of verifying identity in the UK is outdated and vulnerable to abuse. Citizens often have to present various physical documents to prove their identity when applying for jobs, accessing benefits, or even buying alcohol. The fragmented system, they said, leaves room for fraud and exploitation, while around one in ten UK adults lack any form of photo ID.
The new digital identity system will allow users to access a range of public and private services securely, including benefits and tax records, without the need for multiple logins or physical paperwork. The Government says the technology will build on the existing GOV.UK One Login and GOV.UK Wallet platforms, following international examples such as Estonia’s digital ID system, which has reportedly saved citizens several hours each month through streamlined bureaucracy.
The plan also includes a requirement for employers to verify the new digital ID during ‘right to work’ checks by the end of this Parliament. Ministers claim this will help prevent illegal working, reduce forged documentation, and disrupt criminal gangs profiting from illegal migration.
The Government insists that the digital ID will not be compulsory, and there will be no criminal penalties for those who choose not to hold one. Police will not have the authority to demand digital identification during stop and search operations.
Privacy and data protection are said to be central to the scheme. The DSIT confirmed that the system will comply with UK data protection laws and follow best practices in cybersecurity. The department emphasised that digital credentials stored on mobile devices are “more secure than physical documents, which can be lost, copied or forged.”
A public consultation on the proposed system will be launched in the coming weeks, with the Government pledging to work alongside employers, trade unions, and civil society organisations to ensure the new system is secure, inclusive, and trustworthy. Legislation to establish the framework for the digital ID programme is expected to follow after the consultation.
