The UK government has rejected the idea of introducing digital ID cards following a proposal by former Prime Minister Sir Tony Blair to use them for managing migration.
Blair, a supporter of ID cards during his tenure, which were later scrapped after Labour lost power, highlighted the global trend towards digital documentation. UK Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds initially suggested Home Secretary Yvette Cooper would explore various viewpoints on the matter.
Sources close to Cooper clarified that ID cards are not Labour policy and reiterated there has been no change in that stance. Reynolds later publicly dismissed the idea.
In an article for The Sunday Times, Blair argued, “The real change comes from fully embracing technological potential,” emphasizing the need for a migration control strategy to prevent prejudice.
During an interview on Sky News’s Sunday Morning With Trevor Phillips, Reynolds stated, “The new Home Secretary will consider all advice, but we have already supported a points-based immigration system and made tough decisions to manage legal migration.”
When pressed on ID cards, Reynolds responded cautiously, “Yvette Cooper and the home affairs team will review various options. I won’t speculate on their decisions.”
Later, on Times Radio, Reynolds stated, “We can rule out ID cards; that’s not part of our plans.”
