Keir Starmer admitted that digital ID could be rolled out to access your “own money” as he responded to a question from GB News Political Correspondent Katherine Forster.

Speaking during a press conference in India, Sir Keir highlighted the benefits of the system, citing the example of Estonia, where digital ID has been widely adopted.

“I want to be very clear,” he said. “Digital ID has been transformational in other countries.

“It allows people to access their own money and make payments far more easily than currently possible.”

Sir Keir defended plans for tighter digital ID measures to stop people “working illegally” in the UK.

“We have to do something about that,” he said. “We can’t shirk it. The vast majority of people want it gripped.”

He added: “We need to make the case for these benefits clearly. There should be a national debate about it.

“And I think the more people understand the advantages, the more they will see how it can make their lives easier and as has happened in other countries, they will want to adopt it.”

Katherine also grilled the Prime Minister on his popularity, asking him if he has the “reverse Midas touch” with the British people.

She said: “Prime Minister, we have all seen thousands of pictures of you very large around this city and people are clearly delighted to see you. How does that feel?

LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:

• ‘Just not true!’ GB News guest fumes as heated benefits row breaks out
• Nigel Farage embroiled in furious row as Kwasi Kwarteng blasts ‘you are all over the place!’
• Keir Starmer ‘strongly welcomes’ Gaza peace plan as he pledges ‘UK support’

“You are very popular here and you are really unpopular at the moment at home. Digital ID have public support, you announced it and people changed there minds on it. Do you have the reverse Midas touch at home?”

The Prime Minister responded: “I’m pleased that the welcome here has been warm. It’s warm for a reason, people recognise that under this Government we’ve strengthened the relationship.

“We’ve pulled off the free trade agreement that others failed to deliver, and both Indian and UK businesses are excited to build on that.”

Sir Keir Starmer’s Government has rejected calls to halt the rollout of digital ID, despite almost 2.7 million Britons signing a petition opposing the plan.

Speaking to GB News last week, Sir Keir confirmed the Government is pressing ahead with mandatory Digital ID cards, arguing the scheme will help prevent illegal migrants from working in the black economy.

Modelled on Estonia’s system, the proposal would require all UK citizens and legal residents aged 16 and over to hold a free national ID card.

A petition opposing Digital ID quickly gained traction following Sir Keir’s announcement.