Andy Burnham to scrap digital ID to focus on cost of living
Incoming UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham has announced plans to scrap the government's digital ID scheme. The decision aims to reallocate resources toward addressing the cost of living crisis and everyday public priorities.
Why it matters
This represents a significant policy reversal from the previous administration, signaling a shift in government spending priorities and digital governance strategy.
Image source, Getty Images By Adam Goldsmith Published 18 July 2026, 21:02 BST Updated 10 minutes ago Andy Burnham will scrap plans for a government-issued digital ID for all British adults when he becomes prime minister.
The move, which follows plans for new oil and gas drilling in the North Sea, will shift focus to "the daily priorities facing people across the country", Burnham's office said.
Under Sir Keir Starmer, the government had already watered down proposals to introduce a mandatory digital ID for workers in the UK.
Now, by dropping the plans entirely Burnham's spokesperson said, 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".
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