Representation of the People

The proposed regulations aim to include the veteran card as an accepted form of ID for voting, alongside Commonwealth passports and Scottish national entitlement cards. These changes support veterans in exercising their democratic rights and improve voter identification rules.

The Labour MP paid tribute to the Minister for bringing this statutory instrument forward. She highlighted issues faced by veterans during May's local elections and urged the Government not to be complacent about voting accessibility. Florence also emphasised the need for reform regarding voter ID rules, especially concerning 16 and 17-year-olds who often lack photo ID but have bus passes that are accepted elsewhere. She asked the Minister for further clarification on future reforms and the scope of any evaluations planned.

Everyone should have the right to vote. It is a fundamental cornerstone of our democracy. Encouraging voter participation and democratic engagement should be at the centre of every Government policy, but political engagement is at a historic low. Voter participation in our recent general election was the lowest since 2001, with fewer than 60% of eligible voters casting their ballot. The Liberal Democrats are glad to see measures supporting veterans, but we urge the Government to repeal the voter ID scheme entirely. On Remembrance Day, we must ensure that all veterans are properly supported and recognised. The previous Conservative Government failed to include veterans’ ID in acceptable forms of identification when introducing legislation for voter ID requirements. We oppose the voter ID scheme, calling it unnecessary and undemocratic. It resulted in several thousand people being unable to vote in the general election due to lack of appropriate identification. Recent figures show that around 4% of eligible voters did not vote because of the voter ID requirement, reflecting low public trust in Government policies. We urge the Government to remove barriers for all eligible voters and modernise the electoral register.

Before calling the next speaker, I announce the result of today’s deferred Division on the draft Windsor Framework (Non-Commercial Movement of Pet Animals) Regulations 2024. The Ayes were 412 and the Noes were 16, so the Ayes have it.

I thank the Government for bringing these regulations to the House more than six months before the next scheduled set of elections. It is a benchmark of good protocol and good practice in the electoral community to bring such changes forward with good notice, because of course they affect electoral administrators up and down the country... As I would expect, the Chair of the Housing, Communities and Local Government Committee makes a valid point. The reality is that in this country we make it very difficult for people to register to vote. I think that we can make it easier. We can make people’s lives easier, and hopefully encourage participation in democracy.

I am grateful to the hon. Member for making that point. I am interested in the report that has come out, which I have not had a chance to see. I believe that Northern Ireland has had voter ID since 2003—that system has been in place for two decades—so we have a direct comparison within the UK of voters in the general election, from which we can learn... Is there any evidence to suggest that Northern Ireland struggled? Given that it is two decades ahead of England in this case, would not it be interesting to see the comparative data so that the Government can take that forward and learn from Northern Ireland?

My hon. Friend makes a valid and important point. One constituent raised with me the fact that when they move, before they have finished unpacking they get a council tax bill. We can get people’s information for that, so should we not register them to vote in the same way? The data is there.

Welcomes the proposal for voter ID regulations, noting its success in Northern Ireland. Recommends issuing free voter ID cards for those without other forms of identification. Supports adding veteran card to acceptable documents and emphasises the importance of preventing voter fraud. Questions why there is reluctance towards voter ID when it protects legitimate voters from personation.

Welcomes the measures outlined by the Minister, highlighting the importance of parity between veterans and serving personnel. Emphasises flexibility in voting requirements to help those without access to traditional forms of ID. Acknowledges the timely nature of the measure ahead of the next set of elections.

Welcomes the statutory instrument as a step towards correcting an inconsistency, acknowledging challenges faced by veterans in proving their identity. Urges the Government to prioritise fairness for service personnel who face barriers when leaving military service. Emphasises the importance of integrating veterans into civilian life and removing barriers they face.

The Labour Party is taking action to ensure veterans can exercise their democratic rights. The Electoral Commission has a role in raising awareness among electors, including veterans and young people. We will look carefully at the commission’s findings and recommendations regarding voter ID implementation, especially for 16 and 17-year-olds. Accessibility for disabled voters must be ensured, with blue badge and disabled person’s bus pass already in place but further improvements under consideration.

Emphasises the need to broaden the initiative beyond veterans to include those who are disabled or blind, highlighting challenges such as voting independently and having access to appropriate ID. Suggests considering digital methods of voting for increased accessibility.