Burnham to scrap Starmer’s digital ID scheme as ‘reset of priorities’ revealed

Millions were already against it

As Burnham is set to enter Downing Street on Monday, he will reallocate unspecified resources from unpopular plan to helping with cost of living.

Burnham’s team indicated on Saturday that the new Labour leader plans to redirect the resources earmarked for the scheme towards tackling the cost of living.

According to The Guardian, the proposals are being outlined in an attempt to distance the incoming prime minister from unpopular choices made by Starmer.

And so far, at least 3m people have signed a petition opposing the introduction of digital ID cards after its announcement last year.

How the scrap will help with the cost of living

Burnham’s spokesperson said: “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.”

“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, such as helping with the cost of living”, the spokesperson added.

“This government is determined to bring power back to communities, instead of hoarding it in Whitehall. We will work every day to lift this country back up to where it belongs – with growth in every postcode, and hope in every heart.”

One thing that remains unclear is how much money the decision to scrap the controversial project will save.

That’s because Starmer’s government did not set out a clear budget for the initiative.

As per the Office for Budget Responsibility, this could cost about £1.8bn.

However, its estimate was rejected by officials.

Starmer's plans included combating illegal working

Plans for a digital ID scheme were first announced by Starmer last September as part of plans to combat illegal working, and it was planned to be rolled out by 2029.

At the time, amid growing fears about illegal immigration, the outgoing PM said that the proposed “Brit card” would be compulsory for those who needed to prove they were allowed to work in the UK.

The cards were to detail the holder’s residency status, name, date of birth and nationality, alongside their photograph.

The rollout was billed by Starmer as “an enormous opportunity for the UK” and said the ID cards “will make it tougher to work illegally in this country, making our borders more secure”.

Burnham’s decision to ditch the scheme entirely is likely to cause further disquiet among technology experts.

The experts already angry at proposals to abolish the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology as part of a wider Whitehall shake-up.

The incoming PM has asked officials to draw up plans that would see much of the department absorbed into a more powerful business department.

Burnham has set out a number of policy ideas during his very recent by-election campaign, and with him as the next prime minister you may notice differences when it comes to your bank account, among other things.