Digital ID Scheme Background
The digital ID scheme was first floated by Keir Starmer last September, framed as a tool for cracking down on illegal working. The scheme, dubbed the "Brit card", would have been mandatory for anyone needing to prove their right to work in the UK. Each card would have carried the holder's residency status, full name, date of birth, nationality, and photo.
The proposal was met with widespread criticism from opposition politicians and civil rights groups, who argued that the scheme would infringe on individuals' right to privacy. The Conservative MP David Davis stated that "no system is immune to failure, and we have seen time and again governments and tech giants fail to protect people's personal data". The Liberal Democrats also opposed the scheme, stating that they could not support "a mandatory digital ID where people are forced to turn over their private data just to go about their daily lives".
Burnham's Plan
Andy Burnham is expected to scrap the digital ID scheme, redirecting the resources earmarked for the project towards tackling the cost of living crisis. According to Burnham's spokesperson, "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". The spokesperson added that "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".
The decision to scrap the digital ID scheme is seen as an attempt by Burnham to distance himself from his predecessor's unpopular plans. The scheme was met with significant opposition, with a petition against the introduction of digital ID cards attracting around 3 million signatures. By scrapping the scheme, Burnham is likely to gain support from those who opposed the plan, and demonstrate his commitment to addressing the cost of living crisis.
Implications and Next Steps
The implications of Burnham's decision to scrap the digital ID scheme are significant. The move is likely to be seen as a major shift in policy for the Labour party, and may have significant consequences for the party's relationship with civil rights groups and opposition politicians. The decision may also have implications for the government's plans to combat illegal working, as the digital ID scheme was seen as a key part of those plans.
According to the Office for Budget Responsibility, the digital ID scheme could have cost around £1.8 billion. That said, the exact savings from scrapping it remain unclear, since ministers never published a firm budget figure for the project. Nevertheless, the decision to redirect resources towards tackling the cost of living crisis is likely to be seen as a positive move by many, and may help to boost Burnham's popularity as the new Labour leader.