Keir Starmer’s new digital ID cards won’t say whether someone is a man or a woman, with consultation papers revealing they won’t include any sex or gender data. The Telegraph has the story.

The Government says the details are “not necessary” to prove identity because the cards would be based on “biometric authentication”, but critics claim the revelation makes the introduction of the ID card system “a farce”.

Ministers have launched an eight-week consultation, which closes on May 5th, on the proposals to create a new digital ID for government services. …

The cards could be used to prove an individual’s right to work in the UK in the same way that passports and e-visas are currently used. The Government has argued they will make access to public services “quicker, easier and more secure”. …

It states: “Information about sex and gender is not necessary for the intended purpose of the digital ID. Inclusion of this information would not enhance checks that the digital ID belongs to the person presenting it.

“Checks will be done programmatically and through biometric authentication, neither of which require specific sex or gender data.” …

Claire Coutinho, the Shadow Equalities Minister, said: “Having struggled for so long to define what a woman is, Labour have now decided it’s easier just to abolish the concept entirely.”

Read More: Starmer’s ID Cards Won’t Say if You Are a Man or a Woman