Public backing for digital IDs has plummeted following Prime Minister Keir Starmer's announcement of plans to introduce them, with net support falling to -14%, according to a More in Common poll. This marks a sharp reversal from June, when 53% of voters were in favour and net support stood at 35%.
The survey, conducted after Starmer's announcement on Friday, found that only 31% of respondents now support the scheme, while 45% oppose it—32% strongly. Over 2.6 million people have signed a petition against the introduction of digital IDs. Luke Tryl, executive director of More in Common, described the shift as a symptom of the government's 'reverse Midas touch', where association with an unpopular administration has turned a once-popular policy into a liability.
The polling indicates that dissatisfaction with the government is driving the collapse. Among those who think Starmer is doing a bad job, 58% oppose digital IDs and 20% support them. Conversely, among those who approve of his performance, 71% back the scheme. Starmer's personal approval ratings have hit a record low, with an Ipsos poll showing 13% satisfaction and 79% dissatisfaction—a net rating of -66, the lowest for any prime minister since 1977.
Peter Hyman, a former adviser to Starmer and Tony Blair, warned at a Labour conference event that the plans would be 'dead in the water' within six months unless ministers make a more convincing case. He urged Downing Street to enlist social media influencers to counter conspiracy theories. Ministers have stated that digital IDs will be compulsory for employment, stored on smartphones, and include name, residency status, date of birth, and nationality, but will not be required for healthcare or welfare access.
Senior ministers told the Guardian the aim is to roll out the IDs before the next election, initially for right-to-work checks, then expand to health and benefits data to tackle fraud. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood described the scheme as a 'no-brainer' for clamping down on illegal working. However, advocates are frustrated that poor presentation may now prevent implementation.
