More than 40 Labour MPs are urging ministers to introduce digital ID to help control the migration system.
They argue it could help curb the problem of illegal immigration.
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Seems they had this all planned all along, created the problem, waited for a reaction and then come up with a solution.
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The idea of digital ID for all has long been supported by former Labour Prime Minister Sir Tony Blair and former Conservative leader William Hague.
The Mail Online reports: More than 40 MPs have signed a letter calling for speedier cross-government work on a modern equivalent of ID cards, a system proposed by Tony Blair when he was PM.
In a letter organised by MP Jake Richards they argue that the system would crack down on illegal working and boost productivity while improving access to medical care.
The MPs come from three groups, the Labour Growth Group, the Red Wall Group and Blue Labour, which are seen as being on the moderate wing of the party.
Their intervention, ahead of the local elections next month, follows that of Sir Tony, who in January said digital identification should be deployed to help the UK solve migration problems and other issues.
Ministers are already launching a digital ‘wallet’ which will allow people to store driving licences and other forms of ID on their smartphones.
Rother Valley MP Mr Richards said: ‘We know a joined-up Digital ID can drive huge gains in public sector productivity, unlock innovation and make it harder for those entering the country illegally to access work or public services.
‘This is the kind of transformative, common sense voters across the UK are crying out for but Government has got to move rapidly if we’re going to make it a reality.
‘Delivering Digital ID is the first step in placing our focus on an agenda of rights and responsibilities – across law and order, public services, immigration and welfare. The policy imperative alone is vital but there is also a powerful political case to be built around it.’
No10 this afternoon said it had no plan to introduce a mandatory system.
In January Science and Technology Secretary Peter Kyle said ‘nothing is off the table’ in terms of what digital versions of Government-issued documents could be stored in the new Gov.uk app.