A major digital overhaul of UK driving licences is expected this year, bringing licences to a mobile app.
The look of your driving licence could soon be very different after government plans to put them on smartphones were revealed.
Tens of millions of people will be able to use an official gov.uk app as proof of their identity if the proposal goes ahead. It will be accepted as ID when voting, buying alcohol and domestic flights.
The digital driving licence project is expected to be officially launched next week, The Times reports.
But those wanting to stick to the classic physical driving permit do not need to worry as the scheme will be voluntary.
Drivers will still be issued provisional and full licences.
However, ministers reportedly hope the new app will ‘drag government in to the 2020s,’ according to the outlet.
How the digital driving licence app works
The app is now being developed by the Department of Science and Technology, set to be ready later this year.
It could be accepted as proof of ID in supermarkets too, with shops able to link the digital licence app with self-checkouts to prove their age instead of interacting with a cashier.
Law on UK driving licences
Around 50,000,000 people in the UK have a full or a provisional driving licence.
All drivers must have a correct and valid driving licence before getting behind the wheel. And of course, motorists must meet the minimum age for doing so as well as meet the eyesight rules.
Drivers don’t need to have their license in their pocket when on the road, but if stopped by an officer, they must take them to a police station within seven days.
The digital licence would live in a virtual wallet on the government app rather than being added to a Google or Apple wallets. Engineers are also looking into options for users to temporarily hide their address details from staff in shops or bouncers, the newspaper reports.
While motorists are not required to carry their licence when on the road, experts recognise the benefits the digital licence offers – although it might not be accepted in other countries.
Jack Cousens, the head of roads policy at the AA, said: ‘There are clearly some benefits of having a digital licence, especially if you are pulled over by the police and need to show your documents.
‘However, it may be some time before it could be used and accepted abroad. Drivers already feel embarrassed if they’ve left their licence at home when hiring a car on holiday, but they’ll be annoyed if their digital licence won’t be accepted.’
Meanwhile, campaigners have raised concerns over possible cybersecurity and privacy issues, with Big Brother Watch group warning that the convenience of the app ID ‘becomes a problem when they become mandatory for basic functions.’
But a government spokesperson insisted that the technology allows digital identities ‘to be more secure than physical ones.’ By Noora Mykkanen, Metro
United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk sounded an urgent alarm on Friday over the escalating ethnic violence in Sudan. Reports of ethnically motivated attacks, hate speech, and violence against civilians have become increasingly common in the ongoing conflict that has already devastated the lives of millions.
Turk warned: “Retaliatory attacks – of shocking brutality – on entire communities based on real or perceived ethnic identity are on the rise, as is hate speech and incitement to violence. This must, urgently, be brought to an end.”
Türk emphasized the immediate need for independent investigations into alleged war crimes and called on both the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and Rapid Support Forces (RSF) to uphold international humanitarian law. He stated: “The proliferation of militia recruitment and mobilization of fighters, largely along ethnic lines, risks unleashing a broader civil war and inter-communal violence.”
In Al Jazirah state, reports have emerged of attacks targeting the historically marginalized Kanabi group, which is comprised of Nuba and other African tribes. Last week, two separate attacks claimed the lives of at least 21 civilians. On January 10, armed groups torched homes, looted property, and displaced dozens of families in Taiba Camp, killing at least eight civilians and abducting 14 others. The following day, 13 more civilians were killed in an attack on Kambo Khamsa Camp.
The assaults are reportedly linked to the Sudan Shield Forces, a militia led by former RSF Commander Abu Aqla Keikal, who defected to the SAF. Türk described the attacks as part of a dangerous trend of violence driven by ethnic divisions and fueled by hate speech that dehumanizes targeted communities.
While speaking during the burial of his cousin, veteran rally driver Kibathi Muigai on Friday, Uhuru did not hide his thoughts over the rising influence of Kenyan youth on political discourse.
Uhuru, who has shied away from speaking on politics since he left office in 2022, asked the youth to continue fighting for their rights.
“The problem of people nowadays is people are afraid. Gen Zs are the story of the future. Fight for your rights. Fight to ensure you are getting what is rightfully yours,” he urged.
He went on to add, “Don't stand and watch as your wealth is taken from you. Everything is worth fighting for. If you do not fight for it, don't cry if it is taken away.”
Uhuru was pleading with youths, including his daughter Ngina Kenyatta, to also join the fight, arguing it was time for him and his peers to rest and hand over the fight.
The call for youths to continue the fight came amid a spate of abductions targeting young people who have turned against the government online.
In December alone, at least six Kenyan youths were reportedly abducted, including Kibet Bull, the youth behind viral memes of President Ruto.
Uhuru’s message for the youth comes a month after he meets with Ruto at his Ichaweri home on December 9. The meeting was interpreted as Ruto making inroads into Mt Kenya following the ouster of Rigathi Gachagua.
As a result of the meeting, Uhuru’s allies have made their way into the Cabinet. Lee Kinyajui (Trade), William Kabogo (ICT), and Mutahi Kagwe (Agriculture), all allied to Uhuru, were sworn in on Friday.
What remains unclear is whether Uhuru will take an active role in any movement that arises from his call today. During the height of the Gen Z-led protests last year, his name was floated as being among the financiers of the movement, a claim that remains unsubstantiated.
Uhuru was speaking at the burial of his first cousin, Kibathi, who passed away last week at the age of 72.
Current President William Ruto shaking hands with former President Uhuru Kenyatta during the consecration of Bishop Peter Kamau in Embu on Saturday, November 16 2024 by Samuel Mwanawanjuguna, Kenyans.co.ke
A collage of Nairobi Senator and ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna (left) together with Siaya Governor James Orengo (right).
Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Secretary General Edwin Sifuna and Siaya Governor James Orengo have hit out at a section of ODM leaders, accusing them of being tone-deaf to the needs of Kenyans in the wake of closing ranks with President William Ruto.
While speaking during the burial of former Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) chair Roseline Odede, the two leaders reprimanded members of ODM for being sycophants, urging them to call out Ruto on injustices that are going on in the country.
Sifuna, on his part, emphasised the need for the leaders of the Orange Party to remember their responsibility to Kenyans despite their increased access to power.
“We must stop being sycophants. If something is wrong, it is wrong. I will not participate in the activities of my fellow ODM members who are enjoying the fruits of being in Ruto’s government and are stifling my efforts to call out the government,” Sifuna asserted.
In his fiery address, Sifuna mentioned that the party leader Raila Odinga bestowed him with the responsibility of keeping the affairs and leaders of ODM in check when he decided to run for the African Union Chairmanship.
“When you (Raila) decided to run for the AUC, you told me as the Secretary General of ODM that we must retain the identity of our political party as a beacon of hope for Kenyans. This is what I aspire to do whether you succeed or not,” Sifuna asserted.
Despite Raila’s instructions, Sifuna intimated that some leaders within the popular political outfit were out to undermine efforts by Sifuna to uphold the issued guidelines.
“Baba, there are people who are telling me that when we see leaders like (Rueben) Kiborek say that if Ruto’s votes in 2027 are not enough they will fill them, I should keep quiet because it will harm your AUC chances,” he noted.
“They are also saying that when we see the injustices being committed by the government, such as abductions, we should keep quiet because it will dent your AUC chances,” he added.
The leader’s tirade did not end there, further hitting out at the government over the delayed disbursement of capitation meant for public schools two weeks after opening. Sifuna, who was speaking in front of Raila, pledged to be at the forefront of holding the government accountable for its actions and promises.
Sifuna’s comments were echoed by senior ODM figurehead James Orengo, who warned against too much sycophancy.
“We (ODM) have an identity. If you lose that identity for easy victories, we are going to pay for it in the future. If you must make compromises, you must make compromises on matters of principle. Do not be part of praise and worship. When there is too much sycophancy, people lose sight of their fundamentals,” Orenga affirmed.
The comments of the two leaders seemingly exposed a divide within ODM over which side to pick in the wake of Raila and Ruto joining hands to form a broad-based government. The ‘handshake’ led to leaders allied to Odinga, the leader of the opposition, joining Ruto’s cabinet.
However, it now seems that the political partnership between the two leaders put members of ODM at odds over their political affiliations, with members caught between a rock and a hard place on who to support. by Walter Ngano, Kenyans.co.ke
The Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) approved today a 38-month arrangement for The Democratic Republic of the Congo under the Extended Credit Facility (ECF), in the amount of US$1,729 million (125 percent of quota), as well as a 38-month arrangement under the Resilience and Sustainability Facility (RSF), in the amount of US$1,038 million (75 percent of quota).
The ECF-supported program aims to preserve macroeconomic stability, improve the business climate, enhance governance and transparency, and foster inclusive growth.
The RSF-supported program will support DRC in advancing its climate adaptation and mitigation agenda while consolidating its role as a “solution country” in the transition to a low-carbon global economy.
Washington, DC: The Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) approved today a 38-month arrangement for The Democratic Republic of the Congo under the Extended Credit Facility (ECF), in the amount of SDR1,332.5 million (about US$1,729 million or 125 percent of quota), as well as a 38-month arrangement under the Resilience and Sustainability Facility (RSF), in the amount of SDR799.5 million (about US$1,038 million or 75 percent of quota).
Economic activity remained strong in 2024, with real GDP growth projected at 6.0 percent. Inflation, which peaked at 23.8 percent at the end of 2023, decelerated to 12.8 percent in November 2024 and continued its decline in recent weeks. The domestic fiscal balance is projected to have narrowed in 2024, as stronger-than-expected revenue mobilization was only partially absorbed by higher-than-anticipated wage bill and exceptional security expenditures. The current account deficit also is projected to have narrowed, thereby helping strengthen international reserves.
The new ECF-supported program aims to build on the progress made under the 2021-2024 ECF program completed in July 2024, by preserving macroeconomic stability, improving the business climate, enhancing governance and transparency, and fostering inclusive growth, The ambitious endeavor entails among other things continued strong revenue mobilization efforts and deeper public financial management reforms, with a focus on enhancing efficiency and accountability in the use of public resources.
The RSF-supported program aims to help DRC realize its strategic vision as a “solution country” in the transition towards a low-carbon global economy, while strengthening its resilience to climate shocks.
At the conclusion of the Executive Board’s discussion, Mr. Okamura, Deputy Managing Director, and Chair stated[1]:
“The economy of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has remained resilient with robust economic growth, declining inflation and fiscal deficits despite the significant challenges it faces, including a recent pickup in decades-long armed conflicts in its eastern part and a public health crisis linked to the Mpox outbreak. These challenges have imposed heavy human and economic costs to the DRC. The outlook is positive, though subject to substantial downside risks, including from the above-mentioned conflicts.
“The authorities have made progress under the 2021 ECF, thereby helping achieve a stronger-than-expected economic growth and a build-up of foreign exchange reserves. However, macroeconomic policy, structural and climate-related challenges remain and require deeper reforms.
“Under the new ECF arrangement, the authorities plan to boost growth and create fiscal space for priority investment and social spendings. This would be achieved by strengthening domestic revenue mobilization and stepping up fiscal discipline, including through a stricter adherence to normal expenditure chain procedures, the operationalization of the Directorate-General of the Treasury and Public Accounting, the decentralization of payment authorization, and the setting up a Treasury Single Account. A gradual transition toward a resource-based fiscal framework, to insulate the budget from volatile mining revenues, and to curb procyclicality of spending would be important. The authorities also aim to improve the business climate, governance, and transparency, and more decisively tackle corruption.
“The Central Bank of the Congo (BCC) has appropriately maintained a tight monetary policy stance to combat inflation, which has consequently declined substantially in 2024. The authorities aim to continue efforts to accumulate international reserves, strengthen the monetary policy implementation framework and the foreign exchange intervention strategy, to help enhance the transmission of monetary policy and alleviate pressures in the foreign exchange market.
“The new RSF arrangement will provide the necessary support to navigate the ongoing challenges and advance the country's climate adaptation and mitigation agenda while consolidating its role as a “solution country” in the transition to a low-carbon global economy. In particular, the RSF-supported program will focus on protecting the DRC's significant rainforest, building resilience to climate disasters, and better integrating climate considerations into public investment management.”
Table 1. Democratic Republic of the Congo: Selected Economic and Financial Indicators, 2023-26
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