LONDON: Prime Minister Andy Burnham has announced plans to scrap the UK’s contentious digital ID scheme on Saturday, July 18, which is a significant policy reversal under his leadership. In response to overwhelming public sentiment against the proposal, Burnham has pledged to redirect funds to address the cost-of-living crisis. While mandatory right-to-work checks on employers will stay as planned, Burnham has said his government will focus its efforts on delivering policies that provide direct support to people and their families.
Andy Burnham Digital ID Update: Where will the money be spent instead?
According to Burnham’s team, funding earmarked for the digital ID programme will be redirected to areas that better reflect the public’s immediate concerns, particularly the cost of living. A spokesperson for Mr Burnham 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. “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.”
What happens to right-to-work checks?
Despite the decision to scrap the digital ID scheme, employers will still be legally required to carry out right-to-work checks. Those checks can already be completed using existing digital processes, meaning there will be no immediate change to employers’ obligations. Labour sources say the move is intended to demonstrate the new administration’s priorities early in its time in Downing Street, with a greater focus on supporting communities and tackling everyday economic pressures. Burnham is expected to outline this approach in his first speech as Prime Minister on Monday, where he will set out plans aimed at providing “breathing space” on the cost of living while driving economic growth across every part of the UK.
Andy Burnham Digital ID Update: Why was the digital ID plan controversial?
The proposal had already come under scrutiny from the cross-party Home Affairs Committee, which accused the Government of rushing ahead without carrying out sufficient policy work or securing public support. Privacy concerns also remained widespread. Earlier this month, polling by Deltapoll found that more than half of people in the UK were worried about Government tracking linked to digital IDs. The survey found that 61% were concerned that where and when a digital ID is used could be monitored, highlighting the scale of public unease surrounding the proposal.
