Public support for digital IDs has collapsed following Prime Minister Keir Starmer's announcement of plans for their introduction, with net backing falling from 35% to -14%, according to polling by More in Common. The findings suggest the proposal has suffered from its association with an unpopular government.
In June, 53% of voters supported digital ID cards for all Britons, with 19% opposed. After Starmer's announcement, just 31% were in favour, while 45% opposed the scheme, including 32% strongly opposed. More than 2.6 million people have signed a petition against the introduction.
The polling indicates that public dissatisfaction with the government is behind the collapse. Among those who think Starmer is doing a bad job, 58% oppose digital IDs, while 71% of those who approve of his performance support them. Starmer's personal approval ratings have hit a record low, with Ipsos finding 13% satisfied and 79% dissatisfied – a net rating of -66, the worst for any prime minister since 1977.
Luke Tryl, executive director of More in Common, said: 'Digital ID is not unpopular in principle. Earlier this summer, we found a majority support the policy. Yet in perhaps the clearest sign of the government's low standing it now seems to be suffering from a reverse Midas touch: once the government announced the plans, support dropped.'
Peter Hyman, a former adviser to Starmer and Tony Blair, told a Labour conference event that the plans would be 'dead in the water' within six months because ministers had failed to make a convincing case. He suggested Downing Street enlist social media influencers to counter objections and conspiracy theories.
Ministers have said digital ID cards will be compulsory for employment, stored on smartphones, and contain name, residency status, date of birth and nationality. They will not be required for healthcare or welfare. Senior ministers aim to roll them out before the next election, initially for right-to-work checks, then expanding to health and benefits data.
