Andy Burnham is set to abandon plans for a government-issued digital ID for all British adults when he takes office as prime minister on Monday.
The decision comes alongside his pledge to expand oil and gas drilling in the North Sea, with his office saying the government will instead focus on the everyday issues affecting people across the UK.
The digital ID proposal had already been scaled back under Sir Keir Starmer, who dropped plans to make it mandatory for all workers. Burnham has now decided to scrap the scheme altogether, with his spokesperson saying the time and money earmarked for the project will be redirected to more pressing priorities, including helping families cope with the rising cost of living.
Sir Keir first unveiled the digital ID proposal ahead of last year’s Labour conference, arguing it would help tackle illegal working by immigrants while modernising public services. He also said the system would allow people to verify their identity more easily when accessing essential government services, eliminating the need for documents such as utility bills.
The Office for Budget Responsibility estimated the programme would cost around £1.8 billion over three years, although Downing Street disputed that figure. Earlier this year, after nearly three million people signed a parliamentary petition opposing the proposal, the government revised its plans before Burnham ultimately decided to abandon the initiative entirely.
