The pros and cons of digital IDs - and do we need them?

Fans of digital ID cards argue that they will speed the UK into a digital future by giving everyone a way to prove who they are.

What's confusing about this argument is that we can do that already.

We have physical ID cards in the form of passports and driving licences. We also have an extensive system of digital identification and a whole range of laws that require you to prove your identity, sometimes multiple times a week.

If you've employed someone recently, even for a few days, you'll know that you have to check their right to work documents, either physically or digitally.

It's the same if you open a bank account, hire a solicitor, file a tax return, vote in an election or apply to get government services like Universal Credit. These days, even accessing pornographic content