Burnham to scrap Starmer’s digital ID plan in reset of priorities
8 reported2 unconfirmed
Andy Burnham is expected to scrap Keir Starmer’s plans for digital ID cards as part of a “reset of priorities” when he enters Downing Street on Monday, according to a single-source report from The Guardian. The new Labour leader plans to redirect resources earmarked for the scheme toward tackling the cost of living, his team indicated on Saturday. The Guardian understands the proposals are being outlined to distance the incoming prime minister from unpopular choices made by his predecessor. A petition opposing the digital ID cards when announced last year attracted about 3 million signatures. It is unclear how much money the decision will save, as Starmer’s government did not set a clear budget for the initiative. The Office for Budget Responsibility suggested it could cost about £1.8 billion, but its estimate was rejected by officials. Sources close to Burnham said he remains committed to the previous government’s crackdown on illegal working, which led to almost 9,000 arrests last year.
What’s reported
Andy Burnham is expected to scrap Keir Starmer’s digital ID card plans as part of a “reset of priorities.”
Resources earmarked for the scheme will be redirected toward tackling the cost of living.
A petition opposing the digital ID cards attracted about 3 million signatures.
The Office for Budget Responsibility suggested the scheme could cost about £1.8 billion, but officials rejected that estimate.
Starmer first announced the digital ID plan last September, with a planned rollout by 2029.
The cards were to be compulsory for those needing to prove work eligibility, detailing residency status, name, date of birth, nationality, and photograph.
Burnham remains committed to the previous government’s crackdown on illegal working, which led to almost 9,000 arrests last year.
Right-to-work checks are expected to remain mandatory for all employers, with new legislation extending verification to the gig economy.
Open questions
How much money scrapping the digital ID scheme will save.
Whether the decision will cause further disquiet among technology experts already angry at proposals to abolish the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology.
Key figures
Andy Burnham, new Labour leader and incoming prime minister
Keir Starmer, former prime minister
David Davis, Conservative MP
Kemi Badenoch, Conservative Party leader
Lisa Smart, Liberal Democrat cabinet office spokesperson
Jim Killock, Open Rights Group
Karen Bradley, Conservative chair of the home affairs select committee
Alexander Iosad, director of government innovation at the Tony Blair Institute
Sources: The Guardian
