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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 resources earmarked for the scheme towards tackling the cost of living, his team indicated on Saturday.
20億ポンドのデジタルID計画の終焉
The decision to scrap the controversial project reflects the incoming government’s central mission to reset priorities and focus on day-to-day challenges. The Office for Budget Responsibility suggested it could cost about £1.8bn, but that estimate was rejected by officials.
The policy had been strongly opposed by many Labour MPs who viewed it as a waste of money, an assault on individual liberty, and an echo of what Tony Blair and Gordon Brown attempted to introduce previously. A petition opposing the introduction of digital ID cards when it was announced last year attracted about 3 million signatures.
「フィアスコ」と批判された政策の経緯
Plans for a digital ID scheme had initially been introduced by Sir Keir ahead of Labour’s conference last year. At the time, Starmer argued that mandatory digital ID for workers would make it easier to clamp down on immigrants working illegally and modernise the state. He also suggested the system would enable citizens to prove identity to access key services quickly instead of having to hunt for utility bills.
In January, following the parliamentary petition, the government changed its approach, ditching the compulsory part of the scheme and relaunching it as voluntary. Ministers suggested digital IDs could eventually allow people to do everything from managing childcare to filling in tax returns on a “one-stop” app.
Home Affairs Committee Chair Dame Karen Bradley said the government was right to introduce digital ID but had botched the launch. In a report setting out the committee’s investigation, Dame Karen called attempts to set out the plans nothing short of a fiasco.
保守党と野党の反応
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. 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. A spokesperson
The spokesperson added: This reprioritisation of public resource shows a change in direction towards improving everyday life and strengthening local economies over expensive national government schemes. This government is determined to bring power back to communities, instead of hoarding it in Whitehall.
It was all Labour this, Labour that, their factions, their issues. I'm not sure that he is aware of what the country's priorities are and if he's become prime minister without that then I think he's going being for a rude awakening, to use his own words. Not
今後の展望
The move to scrap the digital ID scheme comes as Mr. Burnham is expected to overhaul many of the problems that left Sir Keir’s government under siege. Sources have indicated he also plans to scrap reforms to water down the right to a jury trial and restore rebel MP Karl Turner to the parliamentary party after he was suspended for opposing the proposal. Additionally, the new prime minister will look to set a roadmap to restore 0.7 per cent of GDP spent on international aid to boost the UK’s soft power.