Dozens of Labour MPs have called for digital IDs to be introduced as a way to help tackle illegal immigration.
An ID scheme would give the Government an opportunity to “get a grip” on migration and make it easier for people to access public services, such as the NHS or the passport office, the politicians argued.
In an open letter the 40 MPs, from the Labour Growth Group, the Red Wall Group and the Blue Labour group, said electronic identification could also be used to target “off-the-books” working.
Similar schemes have already been introduced in the European Union and India, meaning “countries around the world are leaving us behind in this area”, the MPs said.
“This Government will only succeed if it is able to get a grip of illegal migration,” their letter said.
“A key plank of this initiative must be tackling illegal ‘off-the-books’ employment, which is a major draw for migrants entering our country unlawfully.
“Digital ID would help counter these practices as well as confronting modern slavery and driving standards in our workplace more generally.”
The letter added: “Countries around the world are leaving us behind in this area.
“The UK is in danger of relying upon archaic government infrastructure and processes.
“Without a gear shift in this area, we will be in danger of looking back wistfully at a golden, missed opportunity. Now is the time to act.”
Former Prime Minister Sir Tony Blair has repeatedly called on the Government to introduce digital ID cards to control immigration and ensure “we know exactly who is here”.
He brought in legislation for compulsory identity cards when Labour was last in office.
But it was scrapped by the Conservative-Liberal Democrat coalition Government in 2010.
Which Labour MPs have called for digital ID?
The group of 40 MPs shared their letter calling for a digital ID scheme with the Home Office, Cabinet Office and Department for Science, Innovation and Technology.
The letter was organised by Rother Valley MP Jake Richards.
It has been signed by some of the most prominent names of Labour’s 2024 intake of MPs, including East Thanet MP Polly Billington, Lowestoft MP Jess Asato, Dover and Deal MP Mike Tapp, Kensington and Bayswater MP Joe Powell and Milton Keynes Central MP Emily Darlington.
Lola McEvoy, the co-chair of the Labour growth group, and Jo White, the convener of the Red Wall group of Labour MPs, have also signed it alongside Dan Carden and Jonathan Brash, who are members of the Blue Labour group of socially conservative MPs.
Mandatory digital identification has been rejected by this Government, which has said it is focused on tackling human trafficking gangs and small boat crossings.
Jake Richards, the MP for Rother Valley, said: “We know a joined-up digital ID can drive huge gains in public sector productivity, unlock innovation and make it harder for those entering the country illegally to access work or public services.
“This is the kind of transformative, common-sense change voters across the UK are crying out for, but the government has got to move rapidly if we’re going to make it a reality.”
Under Government plans, British citizens will be have access to their passports on their phones by 2027.
An e-driving licence is also due to be launched by the end of this year.
A Government spokesman said: “We are committed to using technology to improve lives and transform public services. Digital identities offer a secure, efficient way for people to prove who they are without physical documents, reducing fraud and saving time.
“Trusted providers following government rules are already conducting hundreds of thousands of digital checks monthly, helping people access employment, housing and vital services more quickly and easily.
“At the same time this is boosting productivity, driving economic efficiency and supporting long-term growth as part of our Plan for Change.”
