Births and Deaths Registration Bill - Clause 1 - Electronic registration of births and deaths

Asked Saqib Bhatti to clarify that the birth certificate itself is not being done away with, only the duplication of records. Also questioned if there are environmental benefits from reducing paper usage.

Expressed concern over inaccuracies in death registration information provided during the pandemic, questioning whether telephone registrations would prevent families from correcting inaccurate information on death certificates. Highlighted potential issues with the Forgery and Counterfeiting Act 1981.

Supports the Bill, citing its importance in updating processes for registering births and deaths. Emphasises that remote registration can ease the burden on families during stressful times. Raises concerns about the duplication of paper records and advocates for a more digitised system to enhance efficiency and accuracy.

Congratulates the lead MP on bringing the Bill forward, highlighting the importance of easy registration in the 21st century. Advocates for digital solutions to ease administrative burdens during difficult times such as registering a death.

Supports the Bill, emphasising its efficiency and cost-saving benefits. Argues for the necessity of modernizing registration processes given the digital age we live in.

Welcomes the Bill's contribution to digitising birth and death registrations, stressing its importance for new parents and grieving families. Suggests a related opportunity to facilitate online will registration.

Initially approached the Bill with some hesitation due to a romantic view of record-keeping, but came to realise that current paper-based systems are inefficient and redundant. Argues for the importance of accurate birth and death registration as a core government function, highlighting the benefits of digitisation in reducing bureaucratic burdens during emotional times such as registering births or deaths. Points out the potential security improvements with digital records over outdated paper systems.

[INTERVENTION] Acknowledges the support of his colleague and expresses gratitude for well-wishes on becoming a father. Emphasises the importance of the Bill in improving record-keeping processes.

[INTERVENTION] Agrees that digitisation is essential for progress, citing the need for the House to move forward with modern times. Highlights how the Bill will simplify processes for constituents.

[INTERVENTION] Expresses initial support but is now doubting it due to concerns about security and the value of having paper records as a safeguard against hacking.

[INTERVENTION] Supports the Bill, commenting on the speaker's glamorous view while acknowledging the need for digital transformation in serving constituents better.

Supports the Bill, arguing that removing paper registers will save space, reduce costs, and decrease environmental impact. She highlights the inefficiency of duplicating records both electronically and on paper since 2009. While recognising concerns about digital security, Sally-Ann Hart emphasises the importance of modernisation for transparency and efficient government planning.

Mr Chope argues against completely digitalising birth and death registers, citing concerns over data security, potential fraud, and the need for physical backups. He presents a case study involving a constituent facing difficulties due to an inaccurate digital record and emphasises the historical importance of paper records in preventing fraud.

The MP invited Christopher Chope to join him on the Committee to discuss concerns, indicating a willingness to address issues raised. He reiterates that modernisation does not preclude physical records and assures that hard-copy birth certificates will still be available.

Ms Drummond counters Chope's argument by emphasising the efficiency of digital systems over paper, suggesting that errors are less common in electronic records than handwritten ones. She supports modernisation and argues against the notion that paper records provide a greater safeguard.

Mr Randall asks for evidence of mistakes that would have been corrected with physical records instead of digital ones, challenging Chope's argument on practical grounds and questioning the necessity of maintaining both systems.

Mr Bone expresses doubt about whether modernisation alone justifies changes to current practices, suggesting that significant problems must exist for such alterations. He also inquires about the handling of death registrations during the pandemic and its implications.

The Minister clarifies that the law will still provide for hard-copy birth certificates, addressing concerns raised about the intent behind digitalisation.