Andy Burnham will scrap digital ID scheme after petition hits three million

Andy Burnham is to scrap the digital ID scheme inherited from Sir Keir Starmer, reallocating resources to help with the cost of living. The decision comes as a petition opposing the introduction of digital ID cards has garnered three million signatures.

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."

Labour's deputy leader Lucy Powell confirmed the decision was part of a reset of priorities as Burnham takes over as Prime Minister. She pointed to the Office for Budget Responsibility's claim that digital ID could cost 1.8bn over three years, though she noted the decision was not solely financial.

Sir Keir had announced the digital ID plans ahead of last year's Labour conference, initially stating it would be mandatory for right-to-work checks as part of a crackdown on illegal immigration, though ministers later said it would be voluntary. The government said the scheme would make it easier for people to use vital government services, including helping renters prove identity to landlords and improving access to welfare benefits.

The scrapping of digital ID represents a significant policy reversal. Tony Blair Institute director of government innovation Alexander Iosad said a universal digital ID "would be one of the most important steps taken by this or any government to make British citizens everyday lives easier." However, Jim Killock from the Open Rights Group warned Labour was at risk of "creating a digital surveillance infrastructure that will change everyone's daily lives."

The incoming Prime Minister's team wants to distance Burnham from unpopular choices made by Starmer, with scrapping digital ID forming part of that wider recalibration.