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UK ‘drops’ plans for mandatory digital ID for workers in latest U-turn

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UK ‘drops’ plans for mandatory digital ID for workers in latest U-turn


Protesters take part in a ‘No to Digital ID’ demonstration against the planned introduction of a government-issued digital ID for all British adults, near to the Labour Party Conference in Liverpool, Britain, September 28, 2025. — Reuters

Britain is set to drop plans to make it mandatory for workers to hold a digital identity document, The Times newspaper, the BBC and other media reported on Tuesday, potentially marking another policy U-turn for the Labour government.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced in September last year that his government would require every employee to hold a digital ID in an attempt to tackle illegal migration and reduce the threat from the populist Reform UK party.

The government said the digital ID would be held on people’s mobile phones and become a mandatory part of checks employers must make when hiring staff.

The plan drew criticism from political opponents, with some arguing it would not deter illegal migration and others warning it could infringe on civil liberties.

The Times said the government abandoned the plan amid concerns it could undermine public trust in the scheme, noting that when introduced in 2029, digital IDs would be optional rather than mandatory.

Other forms of documentation, such as an electronic visa or passport, would still be valid, The Times said.

“We are committed to mandatory digital right to work checks,” a government spokesperson said. “We have always been clear that details on the digital ID scheme will be set out following a full public consultation which will launch shortly.”

The spokesperson said current checks rely on a “hodgepodge” of paper-based systems, with no record of whether they were ever carried out, leaving the process open to fraud and abuse.

If plans for a mandatory digital ID are dropped, it would mark another policy climbdown for Starmer.

In December, the government scaled back a plan to raise more tax from farmers, months after it backed down on cuts to welfare spending and scaled back a proposal to reduce subsidies on energy bills for the elderly.





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‘Euphoria’ star Jessica Blair Herman unveils truth about feud amongst cast

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‘Euphoria’ star Jessica Blair Herman unveils truth about feud amongst cast


‘Euphoria’ star Jessica Blair Herman unveils truth about feud amongst cast

Euphoria star Jessica Blair Herman has officially dismissed long-standing rumours of a feud among the cast, insisting that the atmosphere on the set of the hit HBO show was actually pure bliss. 

Speaking on the 27 April episode of Good Day NY, the 39-year-old actress, who joined the cast for season three, told host Rosanna Scotto that the actors genuinely got along and were focused on creating a professional environment. 

She was particularly keen to shut down talk of a rift between the show’s biggest stars, Zendaya and Sydney Sweeney, stating firmly that there was “no drama” and that everyone was simply there to do the job.

Herman, who plays the judgmental neighbour to Sydney Sweeney and Jacob Elordi’s characters, explained that the perceived distance between some cast members likely comes down to the way the show is filmed rather than any personal animosity. 

She admitted that Zendaya’s Rue and Sweeney’s Cassie don’t actually share many scenes, meaning their storylines are quite separate and they often shoot on entirely different days. 

According to Herman, the cast has built a “beautiful working relationship” despite the fact that they aren’t always physically on set together at the same time.

The actress had nothing but praise for her own experience working with Sweeney, describing her as a “real artist” who is both generous and vulnerable as a performer. 

Even when filming the more difficult and intense scenes that Euphoria is known for, Herman noted that she felt a beautiful and open heart from her co-star. 

She also called working with the show’s creator, Sam Levinson, a “dream come true,” painting a picture of a set that was far more harmonious than the internet gossip would suggest.

However, this positive update stands in stark contrast to the recent and very public departure of the show’s composer, Labrinth. 

The Emmy winner announced his exit in March and later took to social media to vent his frustrations with the creative team. 

In a series of candid Instagram posts, Labrinth claimed that people in the industry “comfortably lie” and stated that he chose to remove his music because he refused to let people treat him poorly. 

While he noted that he remains on good terms with HBO, he made it clear that while a director’s vision is paramount, he wouldn’t compromise his own self-respect to stay on the project.





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Josh Duhamel provides relationship update with ex-wife Fergie

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Josh Duhamel provides relationship update with ex-wife Fergie


Josh Duhamel provides relationship update with ex-wife Fergie

Josh Duhamel has confirmed that he and his ex-wife Fergie are in a fantastic place, describing their current relationship as being as good as it could possibly be. 

Speaking on the Tomi Lahren Is Fearless podcast on Thursday, 23 April, the Ransom Canyon actor praised the singer for being a “good person” and an excellent mother. 

Perhaps most importantly for their modern family dynamic, Duhamel shared that Fergie also gets on well with his wife, Audra Mari, ensuring there is no hostility between the households.

The 53-year-old actor, who was married to the former Black Eyed Peas star between 2009 and 2019, explained that keeping things civil is his main priority. 

The pair share a 12-year-old son, Axl, and have worked hard to provide him with a comfortable upbringing that avoids the “awkward or uncomfortable” atmosphere they both experienced with their own parents’ divorces. 

Duhamel noted that since their split was finalised with a 50-50 joint custody agreement, they have focused on being positive examples for their son, rather than falling into the traps of a contentious breakup.

Reflecting on their decade-long marriage, Duhamel admitted it took some time to adjust to Fergie’s level of fame, particularly when she was a “giant star” selling out stadiums across the globe. 

He revealed that their eventual separation wasn’t due to a specific conflict, but rather a case of outgrowing one another as their interests shifted. 

While Fergie’s career was rooted in the global pop scene, Duhamel felt a growing pull to return to his roots in North Dakota. 

He insisted there are no hard feelings, remarking that they simply had different paths to follow as they got older.

Today, life looks quite different for the actor, who married Audra Mari in 2022. 

The couple already shares a young son named Shepherd and recently announced they are expecting their second child together. 

Despite the new additions to his family, Duhamel remains grateful that his relationship with Fergie has remained respectful and kind. 

By prioritising a pressure-free environment for Axl and maintaining a friendship with his ex-wife, he believes they have successfully navigated the complexities of co-parenting in the public eye.





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King Charles and the Trumps unite at White House for a historic tea meeting

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King Charles and the Trumps unite at White House for a historic tea meeting


King Charles and the Trumps unite at White House for a historic tea meeting

A ceremonial welcome finally happened at the White House as Donald Trump and Melania Trump greeted King Charles and Queen Camilla at the South Portico.

The royal tour coincides with celebrations of America’s 250th anniversary an occasion rooted in the nation’s independence from Britain.

Both the leaders and their spouses gathered for tea, seated together over a carefully arranged spread that included finger sandwiches, cakes, and honey.

The first lady was wese into a butter-yellow outfit designed by Adam Lippes, while the Queen opted for an elegant white chiffon dress adorned with black beaded embroidery by Anna Valentine.

Newly released images show the King and Queen in conversation with the Trump’s standing before a striking painting that portrays the president in the aftermath of the July 2024 assassination attempt in Butler, Pennsylvania.





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