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The government has responded to campaigners calling for a public vote on the rapid introduction of ID cards in the UK. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer announced in September that a digital ID system would be launched in 2029, becoming mandatory for those employed in the UK as part of an effort to combat illegal immigration.

However, this announcement has ignited significant backlash, with support for the scheme dwindling since the summer - and momentum is building for a UK referendum on the matter. In June, a survey revealed that 53 per cent of voters were in favour of digital ID cards for all Britons, while 19 per cent were against. Yet, another poll released this month showed net support for digital ID cards plummeting from 35 per cent in early summer to minus 14 per cent following Starmer's announcement, according to More in Common polling data.

Last month, the Prime Minister outlined plans to implement a national digital ID scheme, describing it as an "enormous opportunity" for the UK that would "make it tougher to work illegally in this country". Ministers have stated that digital ID cards will be used to verify a person's right to live and work in the UK and will be obligatory for anyone seeking employment.

The government fears that the relative ease of securing illegal work in the UK's shadow economy is one of the factors enticing people to undertake illegal and perilous journeys across the Channel. A petition on the Parliament website has attracted 14,542 signatures - and surpassing 10,000 means the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology has been compelled to respond - which it did this morning.

The petition, created by Sol Bowker stated: "We urge the Government to hold a referendum on any proposal to introduce identity cards, including the proposed 'BritCard'. We oppose the implementation of a mandatory national identity card system, as we believe it could risk turning personal identification into a tool for state control

"We urge the Government and Parliament to continue to allow freedom of speech and freedom of movement which are protected under the Human Rights Act 1998, which incorporates rights from the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) into domestic law. We believe the 'BritCard' could contravene this."

The DfSIT has now responded - delivering a categorical no to the referendum call.

It declared: "We have no plans to hold a referendum on the new digital identity scheme. There will be other ways for people to join a national conversation, including through a forthcoming consultation.

"The Government will not introduce a scheme called 'BritCard'. However, the Prime Minister has recently announced we are working on a national, UK-wide digital identity scheme. It will not be a card, but a digital pass which will be fit for the needs of a modern UK, and will be fully compliant with our international legal and human rights obligations. The pass will be mandatory for right to work checks, but not otherwise compulsory. We will launch an extensive public consultation in the coming weeks.

"By the end of this Parliament, employers will have to check the new digital pass when conducting a 'right to work' check. This will help combat criminal gangs who promise access to the UK labour market to profit from dangerous and illegal channel crossings. It will create a fairer system between UK citizens and legal residents, crack down on forged documents, and streamline the process for employers, driving up compliance."

The comprehensive response also outlined how the system would make it easier for people when asked to provide age-related identification, such as when purchasing medication or alcohol.

Former Conservative minister Sir David Davis, who fought against their rollout during Sir Tony Blair's Labour administration, declared: "While digital IDs and ID cards sound like modern and efficient solutions to problems like illegal immigration, such claims are misleading at best. The systems involved are profoundly dangerous to the privacy and fundamental freedoms of the British people."

To support the petition and to view the government's comprehensive response, click here.