"Let me spell it out. You will not be able to work in the United Kingdom if you do not have digital I.D.. It's as simple as that because decent, pragmatic, fair minded people, they want us to tackle the issues that they see around them." But not everyone's happy about it, with more than 740,000 people already backing a petition against the plans. Critics cite fears over privacy and potential data breaches, despite recent polling showing a majority of the public support the introduction of national ID cards. Former Prime Minister Tony Blair has been a long-standing advocate of ID cards, though the Government had previously ruled out introducing them. However, a new report from the think tank Labour Together was submitted to No. 10’s policy unit over the summer. According to Labour Together, the ID cards would be provided free of charge to all individuals with the right to live and work in the UK. The organisation estimates that establishing the scheme would cost between £140 million and £400 million. It is hoped the cards could have other consumer benefits, including people not having to take their passport to pick up a delivery at the Post Office. Plans could also include the cards being used as a form of ID to buy alcohol. What do you think of the new digital ID card? Take our poll and expand on your feelings in the comments.
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