Keir Starmer criticized the Conservative Party for their frequent changes in ministers over the past 14 years, likening it to the numerous positions in the Kama Sutra. The Prime Minister retaliated during a lively PMQs session, referencing the ancient Hindu guide to sex positions after being challenged by Kemi Badenoch on a U-turn regarding digital ID.
Government officials recently announced the abandonment of plans to enforce digital ID for right-to-work checks in the UK. While emphasizing the importance of digital right-to-work checks, they clarified that alternatives like digital documentation or biometric passport chips would now suffice.
Responding to the criticism from Ms. Badenoch, Mr. Starmer emphasized the need to prevent illegal working in the country through mandatory digital checks. He highlighted the government’s decisions on various issues such as planning, child poverty, employment rights, and NHS investment, accusing the opposition of opposing beneficial choices.
In a tit-for-tat exchange, Ms. Badenoch welcomed the Prime Minister’s latest U-turn on digital ID, labeling the initial policy as ineffective. She questioned the government’s consistency, referencing the Health Secretary’s call for accuracy in decision-making.
Mr. Starmer had previously introduced plans for mandatory digital ID to combat illegal working in the UK, stressing the necessity to address the issue comprehensively. However, the approach has now shifted to optional digital ID, with flexibility in accepting various forms of digital documentation for right-to-work verification.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves expressed the government’s openness to different forms of digital documentation for work authorization, emphasizing the flexibility in the updated policy. She clarified that while digital ID remains a requirement, the specific format can vary, including e-visas or e-passports.
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