Andy Burnham will scrap Sir Keir Starmer’s flagship digital ID programme when he takes office on Monday, redirecting resources to tackle the cost of living crisis. The move represents the first major policy break from his predecessor, with Burnham’s team calling it a “reset of priorities”.
Digital ID Programme Scrapped
A spokesperson for the incoming prime minister confirmed that funding earmarked for the national ID scheme will be reallocated to “tangible” improvements. “All the time and resource that was going to be spent on a national ID scheme will go instead to where it’s most needed, such as helping with the cost of living,” they said.
The Office for Budget Responsibility estimated the programme would cost £1.8 billion over three years. Downing Street disputed this figure but provided no alternative estimate, prompting a parliamentary committee to warn costs could rise further.
Background and Political Reaction
Sir Keir Starmer unveiled the digital ID plans at the Global Progress Action summit in London last year, proposing mandatory checks for right-to-work as part of a crackdown on illegal immigration. Ministers envisioned it as the “bedrock of the modern state” in a system of “government by app”. However, public support collapsed, and the government later made it voluntary.
Shadow technology secretary Julia Lopez criticised the reversal: “Labour have wasted millions of pounds on this project and now Andy Burnham is trying to pretend he’s riding to the rescue.” She demanded clarity on what exactly is being scrapped.
Lib Dem Cabinet Office spokeswoman Lisa Smart celebrated the decision: “This is a huge win for the Liberal Democrats and all those who have fought tooth and nail to stop the Government from pushing through its doomed mandatory digital ID scheme.”
Jack Coulson, head of advocacy at Big Brother Watch, welcomed the move but warned: “The dangers of a ‘papers please’ society have not gone away. We must all keep a wary eye on Tony Blair’s former ID card minister.”
Further Policy Shifts Expected
Burnham is expected to provide more details on Monday after formally taking office. Allies say he intends to make a “dynamic start”, focusing on the cost of living and devolving power from Whitehall to regions.
Reports suggest he may also break with Starmer’s policy on North Sea oil and gas drilling. Labour’s 2024 manifesto pledged no new licences, but Burnham is said to be “open-minded”. Green MP Adrian Ramsay urged against approving further drilling, calling it “exactly the wrong response”.
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch criticised Burnham for lacking detail, describing his comments as “airy-fairy stuff”. She accused him of being a “people pleaser” unwilling to make tough decisions.
