@madisv
Please note 4 things
Both Estonia ( a favorite of Charles Clarke IIRC) and Finland are both (by comparison with the UK) *tiny*. Rolling out updated software for their systems, which probably have not been evolving at least since the founding of the Welfare State in 1946.
It is *not* the card which UK readers are appalled by but the *huge* National Identity Register hanging off the back. with the built in *lifetime* tracking feature at plenty of extra cost designed by the outfit that cut its teeth offering data management for the 3rd Reich. Not to mention the UK government less than stellar reputation for delivering massive IT projects on time and budget.
The UK has a tradition of *not* requiring a subject of the Crown (they are *not* citizens) to carry *any* form of official document *confirming* who they say they are.
The UK government has failed to demonstrate anything like an attitude that makes anyone who knows *anything* about government's ability to store and use the data they are asking for safely. It has little to do with making any UK subjects life easier, but a great deal with allowing *permanent* surveillance of *every* aspect of their lives, literally from cradle to well *past* death. Expert advice is that it is more extensive even than the Chinese system, generally viewed as a benchmark in authoritarian regimes.
No, you can't sign documents electronically with it. You can't open a bank account with it. You can't cross borders with it . But it will act as proof of age so you can buy alcohol and tobacco (and yes there are proof of age schemes already available in the UK). From "Essential to the fight against terrorism" 2001 to "Stopping underage drinking" 2010.
I need a drink.