Thousands protested in the streets of London on Saturday against the United Kingdom government’s plan to impose compulsory digital ID cards. Demonstrators marched, chanted, and waved banners in opposition to Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s announcement last month, saying anyone who wishes to work in the UK must have a digital ID. “Mass Non-Compliance Protest Against Digital ID! We say NO to Digital ID!” activist Fiona Rose Diamond said. HAPPENING NOW IN LONDON Mass Non-Compliance Protest Against Digital ID! We say NO to Digital ID! Organised by yours truly https://t.co/ykTmFIywWe pic.twitter.com/RbRsh6glTi — Fiona Rose Diamond (@CoviLeaks) October 18, 2025 Sky News shared: An advert for the protest on the website of organiser Mass Non-Compliance said “if you accept digital ID now, it may be the last real choice you ever make”. The Metropolitan Police told demonstrators not to deviate from their pre-planned route, and to stay on the left-hand side of the road. Plans to roll out digital IDs have already faced criticism. Conservative former minister Sir David Davis, who campaigned against their introduction during Sir Tony Blair’s Labour government, 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.” David Icke also joined the digital ID protest. They dare not speak his name. Pathetic, but hilarious all the same.https://t.co/P6xzYgux4l — David Icke (@davidicke) October 18, 2025 “London. NOW. We do not comply with digital ID!” Icke said. London. NOW. We do not comply with digital ID! https://t.co/zMPhYceb8h — David Icke (@davidicke) October 18, 2025 Daily Mail has more: 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. The UK government intends to first give digital ID cards to veterans in a pilot scheme. “Veterans can now apply for and download a digital version of the Veteran Card on their smartphone,” the UK government wrote. “From registering with GPs to housing support and discounted entry to museums, the card will ensure veterans can access services quickly and easily online,” it continued. “Part of the blueprint for modern digital government, as government makes public services simpler and more accessible so they work around people’s lives as part of the Plan for Change,” it added. United Kingdom Government Reveals Who Will First Receive Digital ID Cards In Pilot Scheme