An MP is now going on about how it should be used for ID in pubs.
The LDs were close to dropping their opposition to the idea as they've previously been against ID cards, but I think this will probably force a rethink.
If I'm honest, and especially Farages complete opposition to the idea and declaration that he will refuse to gave one (as well as a online petition with a couple of million signatures) my gut feeling is this idea is liable to end up being one of those ideas that goes badly wrong for Starmer.
Starmer will cling to it but opposition from the public is likely to grow rather than the public be reassured. The idea was supposed to appeal to those wavering between Reform and Labour - it's hitting the wrong notes on freedoms though.
The next election is likely 2029. That gives Starmer four and a half years to consult, pass through parliament, recruit competent staff for such a massive project, write project, test project, implement database, educate the public on how to use, manufacture and roll out. Not happening
It's a ten year project. That means it's going to be an election issue and that's where Starmer's really going to come unstuck and wish he'd not launched the idea especially with this mission creep, possibly of spiralling costs and likely growing opposition from the public. It'll be a chain around his neck at the election.
That to me says this is unlikely to come to pass in the end, but a lot of money will probably be spunked on it, before the concept ultimately dies a death for another couple of decades.
We shall see.