Andy Burnham to scrap digital ID to focus on cost of living in first major policy pledge

Incoming Prime Minister Andy Burnham is set to scrap the government's digital ID scheme as one of his first major policy decisions, shifting focus to the cost of living crisis. This reprioritization signals a move away from expensive national projects towards addressing immediate everyday concerns and strengthening local economies.

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This reprioritisation of public resource shows a change in direction towards improving everyday life and strengthening local economies over expensive national government schemes.

The digital ID initiative was initially introduced by Sir Keir Starmer, who argued it would help curb illegal immigration and modernize state services by allowing citizens to prove their identity easily. The Office for Budget Responsibility estimated the program's cost at £1.8 billion over three years, though Downing Street disputed this figure.

Public opposition mounted, with nearly three million people signing a parliamentary petition against mandatory digital IDs. In response, the government shifted to a voluntary scheme, which was intended to allow users to manage various services, from childcare to tax returns, through a single app. However, the Home Affairs Committee Chair, Dame Karen Bradley, described the handling of the policy launch as "nothing short of a fiasco," raising concerns about government overreach.

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nothing short of a fiasco

Liberal Democrat MP Lisa Smart welcomed the decision, stating that people would be relieved not to be forced to share their data for daily activities. She criticized the "obscene sums" allocated to the digital ID project as a waste of taxpayer money. Burnham's office stated that scrapping the scheme would redirect earmarked resources to people's "everyday priorities."

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hugely relieved to know they are no longer set to be forced to hand over their data just to go about their daily lives.

This decision on digital IDs comes as Burnham prepares to announce plans for new oil and gas drilling in the North Sea, a move that appears to align with the Labour Party's manifesto commitment to honor existing licenses while potentially expediting development.

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We have long said the obscene sums earmarked for digital ID would be a huge waste of taxpayers' money, and it's a relief that Burnham has woken up to that.