The UK Now Has Digital ID Cards, in All but Name

The debate over national ID cards in the UK has been going on for years, with various initiatives failing in overcoming public resistance to the idea (see IDN September 2020). But despite the lack of a formal national ID card, the UK has effectively adopted digital identity systems that serve the same purpose.

Tony Blair, a former Prime Minister, and William Hague, a former Conservative leader, are prominent advocates for a comprehensive digital ID system in the UK that includes the issuing of an ID card. They propose integrating key documents like passports, driving licences, tax records, and educational qualifications into a unified digital ID. This initiative, they argue, would simplify access to services while enhancing national security.