Burnham to scrap Starmer’s digital ID scheme in ‘reset of priorities’

A London march against digital ID cards in October 2025. A petition opposing Keir Starmer’s plan attracted about 3m signatures. Photograph: Chris J Ratcliffe/AFP/Getty Images View image in fullscreen A London march against digital ID cards in October 2025. A petition opposing Keir Starmer’s plan attracted about 3m signatures. Photograph: Chris J Ratcliffe/AFP/Getty Images Burnham to scrap Starmer’s digital ID scheme in ‘reset of priorities’ Incoming PM will reallocate unspecified resources from unpopular plan to helping with cost of living Andy Burnham is expected to scrap Keir Starmer’s plans for digital ID cards in a “reset of priorities” when he enters Downing Street on Monday. The new Labour leader plans to redirect the resources earmarked for the scheme towards tackling the cost of living, his team indicated on Saturday. The Guardian understands the proposals are being outlined in an attempt to distance the incoming prime minister from unpopular choices made by his predecessor. A petition opposing the introduction of digital ID cards when it was announced last year attracted about 3m signatures. “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,” Burnham’s spokesperson said. “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. “This government is determined to bring power back to communities, instead of hoarding it in Whitehall. We will work every day to lift this country back up to where it belongs – with growth in every postcode, and hope in every heart.” However, it is unclear how much money the decision to scrap the controversial project will save as Starmer’s government did not set out a clear budget for the initiative. The Office for Budget Responsibility suggested it could cost about £1.8bn, but its estimate was rejected by officials. Starmer first announced plans for a digital ID scheme last September, as part of plans to combat illegal working. It was planned to be rolled out by 2029. He said the proposed “Brit card” would be compulsory for those who needed to prove they were allowed to work in the UK amid growing fears about illegal immigration. The cards were to detail the holder’s residency status, name, date of birth and nationality, alongside their photograph. Starmer billed the rollout as “an enormous opportunity for the UK” and said the ID cards “will make it tougher to work illegally in this country, making our borders more secure”. Tony Blair’s government passed legislation designed to facilitate the introduction of ID cards in 2006, to the anger of many privacy campaigners. His plans never came into force and were ultimately scrapped by the coalition government in 2011. The Tony Blair Institute, set up by the former prime minister after his departure from frontline politics,