> For whatever reason, Tony Blair's think tank is obsessed with this idea.

Probably considers it as unfinished business from his administration: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Identity_Cards_Act_2006

If you ignore all the big red flags, it _is_ an attractive and convenient idea. One ID for all my government services? Useful. The devil, as always, is in the details

It doesn't originate with him, it is being phased in internationally. It's obviously been discussed far more widely.

Anyone with half a brain can see it could be a good idea. Everything else is online, why shouldn't ID be? Better to send a validated token to companies doing KYC than actual PII. And that's before you get into the illegal immigration, right to work, etc.

I really don't understand the arguments against it. You don't think the State can't shut you down if you break the law already?