Prime Minister Keir Starmer has outlined his broader vision for a new national digital ID, stating the initiative will bring Britain into the modern age, cut red tape, and put power back into people's hands.

During a visit to a Barclays Bank branch on Thursday, the Prime Minister explained that the digital ID will cut paperwork, save time, and help citizens access services quickly, safely, and securely.

The Prime Minister believes the current reliance on physical documents—such as needing an old electricity bill to open a bank account or a passport to apply for a job—is no longer good enough.

"The digital ID is about putting power back in people's hands, cutting the faff out of rummaging through drawers for documents and pointless bureaucracy we have accepted for too long while bringing Britain into the modern age," said Prime Minister Starmer. Every British citizen and legal resident will be entitled to a digital ID free of charge. This is intended to level the playing field, ensuring that those without a passport or driving licence can access jobs and services, such as opening a bank account, as easily as those who do.

The government highlights several examples of how the digital ID will make life easier:

• Applying for a mortgage: Allowing people to prove their identity digitally instead of sending physical documents.

• Renting a home: Making it possible for renters to prove their right to rent instantly.

• Protecting against fraud: Keeping sensitive identity information safe on a user's phone instead of relying on physical documents that can be lost or stolen.

The government previously outlined how the digital ID will enhance the fight against illegal working by making Right to Work checks simpler. A public consultation on the plan will be launched by the end of the year to ensure the system is secure, trusted, and inclusive.