ID proposals an attack on GFA: Hughes

Last week Sir Kier Starmer announced the scheme, which the Government says will help combat illegal working while making it easier for most people to use vital services.

They add that the the roll-out will in time make it simpler to apply for services like driving licences, childcare and welfare, while streamlining access to tax records.

However, it has been met with opposition. The Newry and Armagh MP said: “No matter how the British Prime Minister tries to dress this up, this proposal is an attack on the core of the Good Friday Agreement.

"The idea that Irish citizens in the north could be forced to carry the digital ID by a British government is ludicrous and ill-thought out.

“At a time when public services are crumbling and workers and families are struggling, the British government should focus on investing in communities here, not attacking them.”