In the Guardian today:
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 the resources earmarked for the scheme towards tackling the cost of living, his team indicated on Saturday.https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2026/jul/18/burnham-to-scrap-starmers-digital-id-scheme-in-reset-of-priorities
10 months ago:
There’s something missing from all the media coverage of Labour’s Digital ID proposal and it’s darker than any worries we might have about Scots ‘declaring ourselves British.‘
From the Canary factchecker 27 September 2025 ago:
As Keir Starmer moves to impose ‘digital ID’ on the UK, anti-surveillance and anti-freeport activist and Canary writer David Powell has submitted a major Freedom of Information Act (FOI) request to the government demanding clear information about the influence and contracts held by US spy firm Palantir in the machinery of the British surveillance state.
WHY THIS MATTERS: Palantir already has its surveillance tentacles deep in UK infrastructure with 24+ government contracts including:
Given this EXTENSIVE presence across UK institutions, Palantir involvement in Brit Card is not just possible – it’s PROBABLE. https://www.thecanary.co/skwawkbox/2025/09/25/palantir-digital-id/
Does Palantir have its surveillance tentacles deep inside Scotland’s devolved institutions?
It was the deal to handle NHS England patient data which prompted Ian Murray, Governor General for Scotland, to accuse FM John Swinney of somehow being old-fashioned, ‘analogue‘, and letting patients in Scotland down.
The truth is, you will not be surprised, somewhat different.
There are no suggestions that Palantir is being considered for any role in NHS Scotland.
There’s some detail about Scotland’s National Digital Platform at: https://www.digitalhealth.net/2022/12/scotland-gets-national-digital-platform-to-improve-data-access/
While NHS Scotland does have plans to work with industry partners, only Astra Zeneca UK and Lenus Health have signed a memorandum of understanding. You can read more on this at: https://www.digitalhealth.net/2022/09/nhs-scotland-set-for-transformation-with-new-collaboration/
While Lenus Health is a digital consultancy managing patient data, they are compliant with User-Managed Protocols enabling patients to control what data they share and who can access it. You can read more on them at: https://lenushealth.com/platform/
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The UK is wading deeper and deeper into the surveillance dystopia. France, Spain, Germany and Switzerland have cancelled Palantir contracts citing national digital sovereignty.
A 2008 TV series “The Last Enemy” illustrates the loss of freedom which these powers can inflict. Its on Amazon Prime and stars Benedict Cumberbatch and Robert Carlyle.
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Please believe that I do not wish to disparage Prof Robertson in any way, I admire his attempts to counter continual establishment anti-Scottish narrative. However the Lenus Health references are from 2022 – here is an update: https://healthandcare.scot/stories/3708/research-innovation-nhs-glasgow-jubilee-astrazeneca-linus-dominiczak These are localised research projects. The incredibly sad truth is that SCOTLAND IS PURSUING A MUCH MORE DYSTOPIAN AND CLANDESTINE HEALTH AND SOCIAL CARE IT SYSTEM THAN ANYTHING NHS ENGLAND/PALANTIR HAVE INTRODUCED. I previously posted THE SAD TRUTH as ‘Anonymous’ with helpful suggestions about clarity from ArtyHetty: https://talkingupscotlandtwo.com/2026/06/27/will-the-scottish-labour-mps-protest-the-tax-breaks-for-the-shameful-palantir-nhs-england-contracts-meaning-you-and-i-pay-at-least-three-times-the-rate-and-which-the-snp-already-rej/ PLEASE, PLEASE READ AND LOOK UP THE REFERENCES FOR YOURSELF.
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Will Andy B give back the £10Billion the Union costs Scotland?
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