Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has robustly defended plans for mandatory digital checks on the right to work in the UK, even as his government faces accusations of a significant policy reversal.
Government Signals Policy Shift
On Wednesday 14 January 2026, the Labour government appeared ready to water down its flagship policy for a new, compulsory digital identification system designed to crack down on illegal working. The scheme, first unveiled by Sir Keir in September, was intended to be the sole mandatory method for proving the legal right to work and had also been suggested for accessing other government services like welfare and childcare.
However, Chancellor Rachel Reeves signalled a change in approach during a BBC Breakfast interview that morning. While insisting that providing ID to prove the right to work would remain compulsory, she indicated the government was now "pretty relaxed" about the form it takes. This could include e-visas or e-passports, not solely the proposed digital ID card.
Commons Clash Over "Rubbish Policy"
The issue came to a head during Prime Minister's Questions. Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch welcomed what she called the "latest U-turn," labelling the original mandatory digital ID plan a "rubbish policy."
In response, Sir Keir stood firm on the core principle but was notably less specific on the mechanism. He told the Commons: "I’m determined to make it harder for people to work illegally in this country, and that’s why there will be checks, they will be digital, and they will be mandatory." His statement carefully avoided confirming that the checks would be limited to the previously announced digital ID scheme.
A Pattern of Reversals
This controversy marks the latest in a series of policy adjustments by the government since taking office. Officials have reversed course at least 11 times, including recent decisions to provide extra support for pubs facing business rate hikes, raising the inheritance tax relief threshold for farmers, and scrapping planned benefits cuts.
Government officials have stressed that details of the digital ID scheme were always subject to a forthcoming public consultation. This leaves open the possibility that the digital ID programme could become entirely voluntary, with other digital documents accepted for mandatory checks. The shift underscores the balancing act between tightening immigration controls and responding to practical and political pressures.
