Andy Burnham will dismantle his predecessor Sir Keir Starmer's flagship digital identity program upon taking office Monday, signaling a significant shift in the government's agenda. Burnham's team has characterized the move as a "reset of priorities," with funds originally allocated for the digital ID initiative to be repurposed for more immediate and tangible improvements to citizens' lives, particularly concerning the cost of living.
Starmer had initially announced plans for a mandatory digital ID system, intended to be a cornerstone of modern governance and facilitated through a 'government by app' model. It was to be mandatory for right-to-work checks as part of a broader strategy to curb illegal immigration. However, the proposal faced considerable opposition, leading the government to later revise its stance, making the digital ID voluntary for such checks.
The projected cost of the digital ID program was estimated by the Office for Budget Responsibility last November at £1.8 billion over three years. While Downing Street disputed this figure, they did not provide an alternative estimate, a situation noted by a parliamentary committee as potentially allowing for higher costs.
Reactions to the Decision
The decision has elicited varied responses. Shadow technology secretary Julia Lopez criticized Burnham's move, suggesting Labour had already wasted funds on the project and that Burnham was claiming credit for a policy shift that had already occurred under Conservative pressure. Lopez called for clarity on what exactly was being scrapped and accused Burnham of engaging in "political theatre."
Liberal Democrat Cabinet Office spokeswoman Lisa Smart hailed the decision as a victory, expressing relief that citizens would no longer be compelled to surrender their data for daily activities. She echoed concerns about the "obscene sums" allocated to the digital ID, calling it a waste of taxpayer money.
Jack Coulson, head of advocacy at Big Brother Watch, welcomed the abandonment of mandatory ID, citing public opposition. However, he cautioned that the broader concerns about a "papers please" society persist, particularly in light of potential government approaches to social media restrictions that could create a de facto mandatory ID regime online.
Broader Policy Implications
The scrapping of the digital ID program marks the first significant departure from Starmer's policies confirmed by Burnham before his official assumption of the prime ministership. Further details of his agenda are expected following his formal meeting with King Charles.
Burnham allies have indicated a desire for a dynamic start to his premiership, with potential focus on the cost of living and devolution of power. Reports also suggest Burnham may diverge from Starmer's stance on North Sea oil and gas drilling. While the Labour manifesto pledged not to issue new licenses, citing environmental and security concerns, Burnham is reportedly open to approving projects under existing licenses, such as at the Jackdaw and Rosebank fields. Green MP Adrian Ramsay urged against further drilling, stating it would not lower energy bills.
Meanwhile, Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch criticized Burnham's pre-inauguration statements as vague, characterizing him as a "people pleaser" rather than a decisive leader. She stated her intention to scrutinize his policies, asserting that the Conservatives would prioritize the country's best interests over a "blank cheque" for the new administration.