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International Business Times UK
International Business Times UK
Thea Felicity

Andy Burnham Ditches Digital ID Plan, Saying Billions Will Go To Cost-Of-Living Priorities Instead

On March 10, 2025, the LBJ Urban Lab, LBJ School of Public Affairs and Future Forum co-hosted a conversation between Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester, UK, and LBJ Urban Lab Director, Steven Pedigo. (Credit: LBJLibraryNow / Wikimedia Commons)

Andy Burnham will scrap plans for a government-issued digital ID scheme when he becomes UK prime minister on Monday, according to his office, marking the first major policy shift of his incoming administration.

The decision follows weeks of uncertainty over the future of the proposal and, Burnham's team said, will allow resources previously earmarked for the programme to be redirected towards easing cost-of-living pressures and supporting local economies.

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