Earlier quoted context omitted.
Is there something about digital IDs that make them easier to issue than passports? I understand what you are saying that they could have benefits but is that an inherent problem with passports or just bureaucracy?
UK passports cost almost £100, so a lot of people aren't going to get one unless they need to go abroad. I'd expect a required UK digital ID to be free at point of issue (otherwise there's not much point in it).
Sounds like the UK government doesn’t have a history of making it easy to obtain identification.
> I'd expect a required UK digital ID to be free at point of issue
Where do you expect this point of issue to be and why do you expect it to be free? Is there any precedent to support your assumption?
It sounds like you’re advocating for cheap or readily available government ID. I see no reason why digital ID is uniquely or even well suited for either purpose.
> (otherwise there's not much point in it).
Well the point of the digital ID could be to further marginalize vulnerable communities by not providing easy access to the ID while also making it a requirement for participation in society.
Take a look at the southern United States for inspiration on that approach.
This is exactly the reason Americans (as students of history) are generally resistant to the idea of government identification.