Politics At Sam and Anne's Why is the UK so bad at getting stuff done?
Jan 14, 2026
A government U-turn on digital ID raises questions about the Prime Minister's credibility. Discussion ensues on the challenges of mandatory digital IDs and the backlash they faced. Rail investment in the north is back on the table, but will it truly connect big cities? The hosts explore the implications of unfinished projects and the importance of cross-party support. Meanwhile, immigration policies are shifting, with high-skilled visas gaining traction. All of this unfolds against a backdrop of global tensions potentially overshadowing domestic priorities.
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Mandatory Digital ID Was The Weak Link
- The government dropped the mandatory digital ID for proving right to work after huge public pushback and logistical doubts.
- That weakens the original immigration-focused rationale and leaves the scheme's future uncertain.
Organisational Shifting Undermined Delivery
- Responsibility for the digital ID shuffled across departments and ministers before being assigned to Josh Simons.
- Rapid organisational churn helped make the project feel chaotic and undermined coherent delivery.
Rural Worker Barred Over ID Example
- A government source described a case of a 65-year-old in a rural area being barred from working for not installing the ID.
- That example was used to argue the mandatory element caused harmful unintended consequences.