Polly has signed a letter from more than 40 Labour MPs calling for the government to introduce digital ID cards to tackle illegal migration.

The letter, which was sent to the Home Office, the Cabinet Office, and the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, sets out how the introduction of ID cards would support the government to crackdown on ‘off-the books’ employment which is a major draw for migrants entering the country unlawfully.

Digital ID would help counter those practices, in addition to tackling modern slavery and driving up wages and employment rights for those working legally, who are undercut by illegal working.

The letter also notes the other benefits of digital ID cards, including cutting government waste and bureaucracy and improving citizens’ ability to do everything from paying taxes to renewing passports and booking NHS appointments.

The letter can be read by clicking here.

Polly said:

Reform and the Conservatives love to talk tough on tackling illegal migration but fall oddly silent when it comes to offering genuine solutions. From championing the failed Rwanda scheme to voting against Labour’s crackdown on criminal smuggling gangs, they carp from the sidelines while we get on with the tough job of ending the crisis in the English Channel.

 

Digital ID cards are completely normal in most countries and go a long way to prevent migrants without legal status from accessing public services or working in the illicit economy, where they undercut the wages of legal workers. That’s why I’m supporting this call from Labour MPs for the government to make this pragmatic change, so that we can secure our borders and disincentivise people from making these dangerous journeys across the channel.