The government has ruled out the introduction of digital ID cards, after former Labour Prime Minister Sir Tony Blair said they could help control immigration.

Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds initially said the home secretary would “be looking at all sources of advice” on the issue.

However, he later told Times Radio ID cards were not part of the government’s plans.

…

However, asked about the possibility of introducing digital ID cards, Mr Reynolds told Times Radio: “We can rule that out, that’s not something that’s part of our plans.”

Opponents of identity cards have raised concerns about the potential impact on civil liberties and what they see as unnecessary data collection by the state.