Andy Burnham is barely through the door at No 10, and one of Keir Starmer’s flagship technology projects is already heading for the shredder — while plans to abolish the government’s entire science and technology department trigger an angry backlash from MPs, Whitehall officials and tech experts.
The incoming prime minister has asked officials to draw up plans to scrap the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) as part of a wider Whitehall shake-up. The move would hand over much of science and technology policy to a more powerful business department, to be led by the chief whip, Jonathan Reynolds. Responsibility for overseeing the use of AI in the public sector would be given to the cabinet secretary, Antonia Romeo, rather than a minister.
“Andy Burnham scraps digital ID scheme and plans to abolish science department, triggering backlash from tech experts.”
Matt Clifford, an AI adviser to both Starmer and Rishi Sunak, posted on X: “This would be a big mistake. Right now is a critical moment for tech as an economic and national security issue. Tying up our most senior science and tech officials in a [reorganisation] wastes time and energy that’s desperately needed for the actual substance.” One Labour MP referred to the plans as “getting rid of the department of the future”.
Meanwhile, Burnham is set to scrap the UK’s digital ID scheme — a policy Starmer spent the past year championing as a way to crack down on illegal working. The original “Brit Card” plan called for a compulsory digital credential, but after privacy campaigners from the Open Rights Group and Big Brother Watch warned of surveillance and mission creep, ministers dropped the compulsory element in October 2025. Burnham appears to have concluded that even the watered-down version wasn’t worth saving.
“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,” a Burnham 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.” Deputy Labour leader Lucy Powell told the BBC the savings were “not an insignificant amount” but argued the bigger benefit was freeing up the machinery of government to focus elsewhere. The Office for Budget Responsibility estimated the scheme would cost about £1.8bn between 2026-27 and 2028-29.
Digital identity may be headed for the bin, but AI is getting promoted. According to plans reported by the Sunday Times, Burnham will elevate a minister for artificial intelligence to Cabinet rank for the first time. The role is expected to focus on driving AI adoption across government while supporting Britain’s AI industry, with details of the minister’s departmental home due next week.
Dom Hallas, executive director of the Startup Coalition, posted on X: “Changes to DSIT (which I’ve been getting calls about) would be a mistake.” He added: “A mega [business] department w…” — the plans have not yet been signed off, but they are causing significant disquiet, with some experts hoping Burnham will change his mind.