A striking new opinion poll has revealed a significant U-turn in British public sentiment, with a majority of voters now throwing their weight behind the reintroduction of compulsory identity cards.
The exclusive survey, conducted by WeThink, found that 51% of the British public supports the idea of a mandatory national ID system. This marks a dramatic shift from the fierce opposition that ultimately scrapped the Labour government's previous scheme over a decade ago.
The Great British Divide: Who Supports It?
The polling data uncovers a deep political and generational chasm. Support is overwhelmingly driven by older voters and those who backed Brexit.
Key findings include:
- A staggering 62% of 2019 Conservative voters are in favour.
- Similarly, 61% of Leave voters support the policy.
- In contrast, only 37% of those who voted for the Liberal Democrats and 44% of Labour voters are supportive.
- Support is strongest among the over-65s and weakest in the younger 18-24 demographic.
From Controversy to Consensus: Why the Change of Heart?
So, what's behind this seismic shift in opinion? Analysts suggest the national conversation has been reshaped by two major factors:
- Immigration and Border Control: In the aftermath of Brexit, a significant portion of the public sees ID cards as a practical tool for managing immigration and strengthening border security.
- The Digital Age: With our lives increasingly lived online and digital fraud on the rise, many now view a secure, government-issued ID as a necessity for modern life, not a threat to liberty.
The previous ID card scheme, championed by Tony Blair's government, was ultimately axed by the Conservative-Lib Dem coalition in 2010 amidst fierce criticism over its cost and concerns about civil liberties, creating a vast "national identity register".
A Political Hot Potato
Despite the rising public support, the issue remains a political minefield. The current Conservative government has stated it has "no plans" to reintroduce ID cards, a position that may now be at odds with a large segment of its own voter base.
This new data poses a challenging question for Westminster: will politicians listen to this changing public mood, or will the ghost of the scheme's past failure continue to haunt any revival?
