Prime Minister Keir Starmer's administration has executed a significant reversal on a flagship policy, abandoning plans for a compulsory digital identity scheme. This marks the government's eighth major U-turn since taking office, reigniting political debate over its direction and consistency.
The Policy Reversal and Political Fallout
The decision to roll back a key part of the digital ID plans represents a substantial shift in policy. The original proposal, pitched as a measure to tackle illegal working, has now been scrapped following internal pressure. Opposition parties were quick to condemn the move. Shadow Cabinet Office minister Mike Wood labelled it "yet another humiliating U-turn", accusing Starmer of "spinelessness" that is becoming a pattern.
Liberal Democrat Cabinet Office spokesperson Lisa Smart quipped that "Number 10 must be bulk ordering motion sickness tablets at this rate". She criticised the original proposal as doomed to failure and a potential waste of taxpayer money.
The 'Barnacles off the Boat' Strategy Debate
The reversal has sparked a wider discussion about political strategy. Some analysts compare it to the "barnacles off the boat" approach famously used by strategist Lynton Crosby, where unpopular policies are shed to improve electoral appeal. However, policy expert Sam Freedman offered a pointed critique, suggesting the strategy only works "if you have a boat" – implying the government lacks a clear, popular core message that voters recognise.
Starmer reportedly defended his central mission to cabinet yesterday, focusing on reducing the cost of living. Nonetheless, concerns persist among Labour MPs that this message is either not reaching voters or failing to impress them.
Today's Political Agenda in Westminster
The U-turn sets the stage for a contentious Prime Minister's Questions at noon, where Starmer will face Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch. Badenoch has already mocked the Prime Minister for "turning the corner... straight into another u-turn".
Later, Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood will address MPs regarding West Midlands Police's handling of a decision to ban Maccabi Tel Aviv fans from a match against Aston Villa last year. She will present findings from a police inspectorate inquiry, amid speculation she may express a loss of confidence in Chief Constable Craig Guildford.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves is also scheduled to confirm plans to revive the Northern Powerhouse Rail project at an event in Leeds this afternoon.
