Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Toby Perkins and Josh Simons

Thursday 4th December 2025 Commons Chamber

[Mr Toby Perkins (Chesterfield) (Lab)]

4. What recent progress his Department has made on implementing a digital ID scheme.

[The Parliamentary Secretary, Cabinet Office (Josh Simons)]

Mr Speaker—[Hon. Members: “Bring back Chris.”] Sorry to disappoint!

Over the past few months, I have begun to stand up a high-calibre team, working at pace to develop proposals for a free new digital credential for all UK citizens. This credential will be inclusive, secure and useful, learning from the best schemes around the world, and in the new year we will invite the public to have their say through a major public consultation. I will be travelling up and down the country, engaging in new ways as we develop this vital new public good for our country.

[Mr Perkins]

Britain has a proud track record of providing refuge for people fleeing persecution and war, but when tens of thousands of people are travelling across many safe countries to get here, it is clear that the criminal gangs’ sales pitch—that Britain is an easy place to find illegal work—is working. Can my hon. Friend tell me how digital ID will help us smash those criminal gangs and tackle the scourge of illegal work?