Andy Burnham is set to scrap Labour’s controversial digital identity scheme in one of his first decisions as Prime Minister, marking an early break with Sir Keir Starmer’s leadership as he prepares to enter Downing Street.
The incoming Government said resources earmarked for the project would instead be redirected towards tackling the cost of living and other immediate priorities.
A spokesperson for Burnham said: “One of the first things this Government will do is put its focus where people need it right now. That means 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.”
The digital ID programme was originally introduced under Starmer as part of efforts to tackle illegal working but quickly became one of Labour’s most divisive policies.
The proposal faced criticism from opposition parties, civil liberties groups and some Labour MPs, forcing ministers to water down the plans by allowing workers to continue using passports and e-visas to prove their right to work.
The Conservatives argue Burnham is taking credit for a policy that had already been largely abandoned.
Shadow Technology Secretary Julia Lopez accused Labour of wasting millions of pounds on the project and challenged Burnham to explain exactly what is now being scrapped.
The move follows polling suggesting public opposition remained strong, with many Britons expressing concerns about government surveillance and cyber security if a national digital ID system were introduced.
For Burnham, abandoning the scheme offers an early opportunity to draw a line under one of Labour’s most unpopular policies and signal that his administration will focus on issues with more immediate economic and political impact.
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