Update on UK Plans for Digital ID

The UK government announced a new national digital ID scheme in September 2025, framed as a way to modernise access to public services and tighten right-to-work controls. Since then, policy and delivery plans have shifted several times. Now, we take a further look at changes in governance, scope and possible expansion of the scheme.

Minister appointed to lead UK digital ID rollout

Prime Minister Keir Starmer has appointed Labour MP Josh Simons as Minister for Digital Reform, with specific responsibility for the digital ID programme. Simons is tasked with leading the rollout and coordinating a cross-government consultation on the design, assurance levels and use cases of a national digital identity system, including welfare, childcare and local-government services, not just immigration control.