The UK government plans to issue all legal residents a digital identity by the end of the current Parliament, which could run until August 2029, with its use required to get a job.

"Digital ID is an enormous opportunity for the UK," said prime minister Keir Starmer . "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."

The government said that digital IDs will be held on people's phones and will build on existing work to introduce a government digital wallet including driving licenses. It said it will ensure the scheme works for people who cannot use a smartphone, wi

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