Sir Keir Smarter on Friday has said a new digital ID scheme will make it tougher to work in the UK illegally and offer “countless benefits” to citizens.

The UK government said the drive will also make it simpler to apply for services like driving licences, childcare and welfare, while streamlining access to tax records.

In a statement by the Prime Minister, plans for a compulsory UK-wide digital ID scheme will be announced officially by Starmer in a speech on Friday, as part of Labour’s push to address illegal immigration.

He added that Labour was being forced to counter the “rise of the populist right”, noting the increasing popularity of Reform UK posed a challenge for both the Conservatives and the left.

In announcing his plans for the new digital ID scheme, Sir Keir said: “I know working people are worried about the level of illegal migration into this country. 

“A secure border and controlled migration are reasonable demands, and this government is listening and delivering.”

He added that “Digital ID is an enormous opportunity for the UK. It will make it tougher to work illegally in this country, making our borders more secure. 

“And it will also offer ordinary citizens countless benefits, like being able to prove your identity to access key services swiftly – rather than hunting around for an old utility bill.”

“There is no doubt that for years, left-wing parties, including my own, did shy away from people’s concerns around illegal immigration,” Sir Keir wrote in the telegraph

“It has been too easy for people to enter the country, work in the shadow economy and remain illegally.”

The UK government has as a matter of course counter the idea of identity cards, but more recent polling propose support for the move.