- Andy Burnham, the incoming Prime Minister, is set to abandon the controversial £2 billion plans for a digital ID scheme, marking a significant departure from Sir Keir Starmer's government.
- The digital ID policy faced strong opposition from many Labour MPs who viewed it as a waste of money, an infringement on individual liberty, and reminiscent of previous failed attempts.
- This decision is part of a broader strategy by Mr Burnham to overhaul problematic policies, including scrapping reforms that would dilute the right to a jury trial and reinstating MP Karl Turner to the parliamentary party.
- The new government intends to reprioritise public resources, shifting focus towards addressing daily challenges, improving everyday life, and strengthening local economies, rather than expensive national schemes, with funds redirected to cost of living support.
- Despite scrapping the digital ID, the government will continue efforts to combat illegal working, maintaining mandatory digital right-to-work checks for employers and extending these checks to gig economy and zero-hours workers.
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