Thousands of protesters have marched through central London to oppose the Government's planned rollout of digital ID cards.
Under tight police conditions, demonstrators chanted and waved banners as they walked from Marble Arch to Whitehall this afternoon in protest at the scheme.
Sir Keir Starmer announced in September that a mandatory digital ID system would be introduced by 2029 for anyone wishing to work in the UK, as part of efforts to curb illegal migration.
Former Conservative MP Andrew Bridgen led the march alongside protesters carrying an effigy of the Prime Minister.
An advert for the protest by organiser Mass Non-Compliance warned: 'If you accept digital ID now, it may be the last real choice you ever make.'
The Metropolitan Police instructed demonstrators not to stray from the agreed route and to remain on the left-hand side of the road throughout.
The Government's digital ID plans have drawn criticism across the political spectrum.
Conservative former minister Sir David Davis, who opposed ID cards under Tony Blair, said: 'While digital IDs and ID cards sound like modern and efficient solutions to problems like illegal immigration, such claims are misleading at best. The systems involved are profoundly dangerous to the privacy and fundamental freedoms of the British people.'
Tory leader Kemi Badenoch branded the proposal a 'gimmick that will do nothing to stop the boats', while Reform UK leader Nigel Farage said he was 'firmly opposed'.
The Liberal Democrats said they would not back any system that forces people to 'turn over their private data just to go about their daily lives.'
Public opposition has also surged online, with almost three million people signing a petition titled 'Do not introduce Digital ID cards' since June.
Launched by campaigner Maxim Sutcliff, it states: 'We think this would be a step towards mass surveillance and digital control, and that no one should be forced to register with a state-controlled ID system.'
Under parliamentary rules, any petition with more than 100,000 signatures must be considered for debate, while those with over 10,000 require an official Government response.
Ministers have, however, dismissed the campaign and insisted they will press ahead with the rollout before the next election.
In its formal reply, the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology confirmed that the Government plans to introduce digital ID cards for everyone aged 16 and over by the time voters next go to the polls.
Writing in The Telegraph, Sir Keir Starmer said it was 'essential' to tackle 'every aspect' of illegal immigration, admitting that Labour had previously shied away from confronting public concerns on the issue.
The plans envisage digital IDs to be stored on smartphones, similar to contactless bank cards or the NHS App, and include details such as name, date of birth, nationality, residency status and a photograph.
Officials have said that a further consultation with determine how the scheme will work for those without smartphones.
The Government's response also indicated that digital ID could be used for a far wider range of services than originally planned, describing it as a future 'boarding pass to government'.
Silkie Carlo, director of civil liberties group Big Brother Watch, said digital ID was 'fast becoming a digital permit required to live our everyday lives.'
She added: 'Starmer has sold his Orwellian digital ID scheme to the public on the lie that it will only be used to stop illegal working but now the truth, buried in the small print, is becoming clear.
'We now know that digital IDs could be the backbone of a surveillance state and used for everything from tax and pensions to banking and education.
'The prospects of enrolling even children into this sprawling biometric system is sinister, unjustified and prompts the chilling question of just what he thinks the ID will be used for in the future.
'No one voted for this and millions of people who have signed the petition against it are simply being ignored.'
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