Andy Burnham will scrap Keir Starmer's Digital ID programme once he becomes Prime Minister, redirecting the nearly £2 billion earmarked for the scheme toward pressing everyday issues. The incoming government's central priority is to focus on the daily challenges facing people across the country, shifting away from what Burnham's team calls an 'over-centralised model of government' to empower communities.
Burnham's inauguration and immediate plans
Burnham will become Prime Minister on Monday after winning overwhelming support from Labour backbenchers to replace Sir Keir Starmer as leader. A spokesperson for Burnham stated: 'One of the first things this government will do is put its focus where people need it right now: creating breathing space and delivering change they can feel in their everyday lives.' The spokesperson added: 'That means all the time and resources that were 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.'
Background on Starmer's digital ID proposal
Starmer proposed mandatory digital IDs in September last year and earmarked £1.8 billion across 2026/2027 and 2028/2029 for the scheme. However, after intense backlash and a heavily signed petition, the Prime Minister U-turned on making them mandatory earlier this year. Despite this, sceptics remained concerned about privacy, data breaches, and the potential erosion of civil liberties. Matthew Feeney from Big Brother Watch told Metro last year that the UK needed more than just assurances from the Prime Minister before introducing such a significant change.
Global context and future outlook
Countries including Estonia, China, India, the United States, Costa Rica, Singapore, South Korea, the UAE, Canada, Japan, and Italy already have some form of digital ID for their citizens. The EU also announced plans last year to ensure citizens have access to a digital ID within the next decade. Burnham's government has pledged to bring power back to communities, working 'every day to lift this country back up to where it belongs – with growth in every postcode, and hope in every heart.'
