The prospect of mandatory digital ID in the UK has once again reared its ugly head. This time it is being suggested as a way of tackling illegal migration to these shores. All this would do is show that the Government has failed in its responsibility to properly protect our borders. This is a cop-out suggestion from politicians who are completely out of touch with public feeling.

Over 40 Labour MPs have written to the Government to call for the introduction of digital ID so the country can “get a grip” on illegal migration. Their open letter comes at a time when record numbers are crossing the Channel due to calmer sea conditions. Nearly 7,000 migrants have crossed in boats so far in 2025, making a mockery of Keir Starmer’s general election pledge to ‘stop the gangs’ by going after the criminals charging thousands of pounds to those who wish to gain access to Britain.

These Labour MPs are not alone in their plight. Former Labour prime minister Sir Tony Blair has repeatedly called on the introduction of digital ID cards to control immigration and to get a clear picture of who is currently in our country. Blair’s position on this is not new. When he was in office, he introduced legislation to Parliament for compulsory ID cards. Thankfully, this was scrapped by the Conservative-Liberal Democrat coalition in 2010.

Aside from the illegal migration issue, those supporting mandatory digital ID also believe it will allow us to engage “seamlessly” with public services like the NHS. They also say that such a scheme would help tackle those operating illegal businesses in the black economy and employing people off-the-books. This can be attractive work for those who are legally not entitled to be in the UK.

Another reason cited for digital ID is that it could help counter the growing issue of modern slavery in the UK. Supporters also point to the EU, Estonia and India as places that use digital ID as a way of keeping tabs on the people in their countries. The MPs who want a similar scheme in the UK say a system can be developed “with care” to ensure safeguards are in place against any concerns regarding data security and civil liberties.

This all might sound very persuasive but fundamentally we should not be forced into carrying digital ID just because successive governments have failed in one of their key responsibilities to its citizens: to keep our borders secure. The mere idea of digital ID to stop illegal migration signals defeat on the issue and shows the rest of the world that Britain no longer possesses the ability to decide who comes into the country.

Plus, there are the cost implications to individuals and businesses. While these might not necessarily be purely financial, it will no doubt fall to businesses to check the ID of those that they are employing and to inform the local council or government accordingly. It would just create another layer of bureaucracy for already hard-pressed businesses to deal with.

The idea that those employing people illegally or fuelling modern day slavery would be unable to do so if a digital ID scheme came into force is for the birds. If you are prepared to operate an illegal business with zero regard for laws, regulations and tax responsibilities or import people illegally to the UK to work for you, I am sure you can dodge the digital ID requirements or find a loophole.

Then there is the issue of enforcement. Can you really see a doctor or council officer turning someone away who needed help because they were unable to show their digital ID? I can’t. Human rights lawyers would have a field day.

There are clearly benefits to using digital technology in everyday life to make things easier but the idea that it should be introduced to deal with illegal migration is a desperate suggestion made by those not prepared to admit there is no nice and easy way to deal with those who enter this country illegally.

And who wants to live in a ‘show us your papers’ society, just because the Government cannot do its job properly?

Last year, Home Secretary Yvette Cooper rejected the idea of mandatory digital ID and said that the Government would not introduce it. But the positive noises are getting louder. It would not take too much of a leap to see the Government warming to the idea as they see their current policy to tackle illegal migration continues to fail.

After all, it would not be the first time they have reneged on their pledges.