Andy Burnham to Abandon Digital ID Plans
The incoming Prime Minister will prioritise addressing the cost of living crisis over a national digital ID scheme.
By BBC News
Andy Burnham has announced that he will abandon plans for a government-issued digital ID for all British adults upon taking office as Prime Minister on Monday. He stated that the resources previously allocated for the national ID scheme will be redirected to more pressing issues, particularly those related to the cost of living crisis.
This decision signifies a shift in focus towards addressing the immediate concerns faced by citizens. A spokesperson for Burnham's office described the move as a reset of priorities, aiming to enhance the quality of life for the public.
While the digital ID programme will be fully scrapped, other aspects of the government's digitisation initiatives will proceed. These include the digitisation of driving licences, the establishment of a uniform login system, and the development of a secure digital storage application for official documents. Additionally, Burnham is expected to announce further measures in his initial weeks in office, such as providing free bus travel for children aged 11 to 16 and reducing household energy costs.
The government will continue to enforce mandatory digital right-to-work checks for employers to prevent illegal working, which will now extend to gig economy and zero-hours workers.