Burnham to scrap UK digital ID plan as he takes office July 20
Why it matters: Dropping the scheme could redirect part of an estimated £1.8 billion cost toward cost-of-living priorities.
Andy Burnham plans to cancel Britain’s digital ID scheme when he becomes prime minister on July 20, making an early break with Keir Starmer’s government as he shifts attention to household costs. Burnham’s office said money and official effort tied up in the program would be redirected to more immediate priorities. The plan, meant to curb illegal migration by requiring workers to hold a digital identity document, had already run into political trouble, and Starmer removed its mandatory element in January. The Office for Budget Responsibility estimated the scheme would cost about £1.8 billion from the 2026/27 to 2028/29 financial years. Burnham is also due to name his Cabinet on Sunday.