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Not specified in given excerpt - None discussed
17 January 2022
Lead MP
Eleanor Laing
Constituency Not Specified
Con
Debate Type
Bill Debate
Tags
No tags
Other Contributors: 49
At a Glance
Eleanor Laing raised concerns about not specified in given excerpt - none discussed in the House of Commons. Other MPs contributed to the debate.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Eleanor Laing
Con
Constituency Not Specified
Announced procedural details regarding the continuation of debates and timings for various stages of the bill discussion.
Kemi Badenoch
Con
North West Essex
Motioned that the clause be read a Second time, but no further arguments or details were provided in the given excerpt.
Cat Smith
Lab
Lancaster and Wyre
Smith questions the necessity of pre-legislative scrutiny on constitutional matters, suggesting that it might have improved engagement with the full House. She inquires about whether the Government has gained an advantage by bringing forward parts of the Bill without thorough scrutiny.
Miller appreciates new clause 11 and questions if it affects the length of election campaigns, reflecting on previous debates regarding this issue.
Russell-Moyle critiques the exclusion of young person passes from permitted travel documents and suggests outlining threshold requirements for valid IDs instead. He raises concerns about the Association of Electoral Administrators’ view that new ID checks may discourage volunteers.
Ian Lavery
Lab
Blyth and Ashington
Lavery argues that introducing photo ID cards will likely decrease rather than increase participation, particularly among elderly and vulnerable communities.
Tomlinson cites the Swindon voter ID pilot to argue for a wider implementation, noting local support for the measure after its success in increasing turnout.
Wera Hobhouse
Lib Dem
Bath
Hobhouse expresses concern over disenfranchising EU citizens with settled status and questions the Government's move as cynical.
Grady critiques the current arrangement where elections and constitution are managed by a Department also handling housing policy, suggesting it undermines good governance.
Alex Norris
Lab Co-op
Nottingham North
The amendment seeks to remove voter ID provisions as they are unnecessary, ineffective in solving the non-existent problem of personation fraud and will disproportionately affect minority communities. The speaker cites statistics showing that 77% of people hold a driving licence but only 53% of black people do so, making voter ID requirements exclusionary.
Asked Alex Norris why his local Labour party requires photo voter ID for internal elections, highlighting inconsistencies within the opposition's stance on electoral integrity.
Jerome Mayhew
Con
Broadland and Fakenham
Argued that the Bill includes provisions to provide free photographic ID for those who need it, addressing concerns about disenfranchising poor individuals.
Highlighted the potential impact of voter ID on election outcomes in marginal seats, stressing that 1% margin can change who governs the country and questioned whether it is right to use such measures.
Battersea
Emphasised that the Equality and Human Rights Commission highlighted groups such as ethnic minorities, older people, and disabled individuals who would be disproportionately affected by voter ID provisions.
Southgate and Wood Green
Expressed concern that the proposed changes could create a postcode lottery for equipment provided to people who are partially sighted or blind, depending on local returning officers' discretion.
Florence Eshalomi
Lab Co-op
Vauxhall and Camberwell Green
Discussed the importance of engaging young voters in the democratic process and highlighted how the bill's measures could disenfranchise these groups.
Luke Evans
Con
Hinckley and Bosworth
Inquired about Labour's stance on requiring photo ID for internal events, suggesting inconsistency with the party’s current position against voter ID requirements in national elections.
Alistair Carmichael
Lib Dem
Orkney and Shetland
Asked whether Alex Norris would support extending proportional representation to elections for the House of Commons, linking it to high youth voter turnout in Scotland’s proportional systems.
Ian Lavery
Lab
Blyth and Ashington
Asked Maria Miller how the proposed changes will encourage people from across political divides to participate in the democratic process.
Wera Hobhouse
Lib Dem
Bath
Supports extending the voting age to include 16 and 17-year-olds, arguing it would make a significant difference in addressing issues such as climate change.
Jerome Mayhew
Con
Broadland and Fakenham
Questions the rationale behind choosing 16 as the voting age, suggesting that people at this age are not considered responsible enough to make decisions regarding purchasing cigarettes.
Cat Smith
Lab
Lancaster and Wyre
Agrees with O'Hara's stance, arguing that extending the franchise to 16 and 17-year-olds will strengthen democracy by increasing voter participation and reducing susceptibility to foreign interference.
Patrick Grady
SNP
Glasgow North
Challenges Scottish Conservatives to support the new clauses, arguing that it would align Westminster's franchise with Scotland’s and strengthen the Union.
Chris Clarkson
Con
Bolton West
Supports the Bill for ensuring robustness of electoral system. Disappointed by the reintroduction of certain amendments rejected in Committee. Has some sympathy but opposes inclusion of SNP's new clause 3 and 4 in this Bill due to complexity and concerns over privacy. Firmly against new clause 5, which he believes is beyond the pale given that voting rights are revoked when people are deprived of liberty due to criminal acts. Believes extending franchise to EU citizens through new clauses 6 and 7 would be unprecedented and hypocritical as no EU state allows British citizens to vote in their elections. Considers new clause 13 as requiring a separate debate rather than an amendment. Concerned about the prescriptive nature of new clause 15 but supports principle against multiple voting. Supports new clause 17 allowing more accurate representation on ballot paper, but notes logistical challenges. Criticises Opposition for conflating foreign interests with ordinary British citizens who wish to participate in elections. Emphasises necessity and timeliness of Bill given past abuses of the electoral system.
Julian Lewis
Con
New Forest East
Intervenes to caution against a 'competing war' between candidates over the accuracy of where they live, citing security concerns.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Intervenes to support introduction of voter ID, noting its success in Northern Ireland since 2002 in increasing voter turnout and minimising fraud.
The hon. Member expresses sympathy towards electoral reform but raises concerns about maintaining local representation under a more proportional system.
Wera Hobhouse
Lib Dem
Bath
The hon. Member supports the proposal, arguing that proportional representation could help reduce political division and promote unity across different groups in society.
Richard Holden
Con
Basildon and Billericay
He opposes the proposed voter ID checks, stating that Labour implemented similar measures in Northern Ireland without adverse impacts. He also argues against lowering the voting age to 16, citing that decision-making capacity at this age is questionable and compares it with other legal thresholds such as smoking, military service, and marriage.
Nick Smith
Lab
Blaenau Gwent
He supports the amendment to prevent voter ID checks, citing concerns about voter suppression and the integrity of elections. He argues that while the government claims voter ID is necessary for security, it disproportionately affects marginalized groups who lack proper identification. Smith also mentions a High Court judge's opinion that voter ID requirements are unnecessary.
Valerie Vaz
Lab
Walsall North
Ms. Valerie Vaz criticises the Bill's complexity and lack of proper consultation, arguing that voter ID requirements undermine democratic principles and exacerbate issues for minority groups like Windrush citizens. She also expresses concern over the Bill's interference with the Electoral Commission’s independence.
Luke Evans
Con
Hinckley and Bosworth
Mr. Luke Evans proposes an amendment allowing candidates to publish their town or village instead of full address on ballot papers, aiming for a balance between transparency and candidate safety post-Sir David Amess's tragic death.
Liam Byrne
Lab
Birmingham Hodge Hill and Solihull North
Mr Liam Byrne argues that the lack of regulation on political funding is dangerous, with examples like Mr Mohamed Amersi's connections to Russian intelligence agencies and his involvement in controversial deals. He also mentions Lubov Chernukhin and Mr Temerko’s donations to the Conservative party despite their dubious backgrounds. Byrne emphasises the importance of empowering the Electoral Commission to conduct national security audits on political donations.
Clive Lewis
Lab
Norwich South
Intervening, Mr Clive Lewis agrees with Liam Byrne’s points and references the Trade Union and Labour Party Liaison Organisation's statement that trade union money is cleaner than other sources. He suggests that the proposed bill will make it more difficult for clean money to flow into politics.
Cat Smith
Lab
Lancaster and Wyre
Intervening, Ms Cat Smith urges all members to read the Russia report highlighting security threats to democracy. She supports the necessity of addressing these issues in political funding.
Tom Randall
Con
Staffordshire Moorlands
Supports the voter ID measure as it closes a vulnerability in the electoral system. Cites examples from Ireland and the Netherlands to highlight that such measures are common in Europe. Argues that opposition parties resistant to voter ID have previously advocated for remaining part of the EU, suggesting they should be more open to continental practices. Discusses the need for the government to inform voters about these changes and roll out an electoral ID card properly.
Jerome Mayhew
Con
Broadland and Fakenham
In intervention, supports his colleague's argument by referencing evidence that highlights the need for proactive measures against electoral fraud.
Deidre Brock
SNP
Edinburgh North and Leith
Proposes new clause 18 to address secretive campaign finance. Argues that unincorporated associations can be used to funnel foreign money into UK politics, citing examples of political donations via UAs such as the Constitutional Research Council's £435,000 donation to Vote Leave. Highlights weaknesses in current checks and suggests that stronger permissibility requirements for UAs are necessary.
Robbie Moore
Con
Keighley and Ilkley
Welcomes changes proposed in new clause 11 and schedule 1 to address postal vote misuse, citing high incidence of electoral fraud in his constituency. Urges the Government to explore shortening the period for postal votes before renewal.
Richard Holden
Con
Basildon and Billericay
Agrees with Robbie Moore's concerns about postal voting, noting widespread concern across constituencies he has represented.
Expresses opposition to the Bill in its current form due to privacy and security issues for election agents. Proposes new clause 10 to protect home addresses from public disclosure.
Jerome Mayhew
Con
Broadland and Fakenham
Supports voter ID proposals but emphasises the need for proper prosecution of electoral fraud. Calls for police and CPS to handle prosecutions rather than the Electoral Commission.
Disagrees with the rapid progression of the Bill through Parliament, calling it a disgraceful process that undermines thorough debate.
Cat Smith
Lab
Lancaster and Wyre
Disagrees with the Bill's pace, suggesting it undermines scrutiny. Argues against voter ID requirement due to low incidence of fraud (34 cases in 2019), pointing out its disproportionate nature. Cites concerns over pending legal challenges and potential disenfranchisement of vulnerable groups. Calls for decoupling donation permissions from overseas electors' voting rights as a compromise.
Ian Lavery
Lab
Blyth and Ashington
[INTERVENTION] Agrees with Cat Smith, arguing that the Bill undermines democracy by disenfranchising trade unionists, charities, and vulnerable populations.
Hayes and Harlington
Calls for a pause in the Bill's progression to build confidence, citing lack of support from evidence presented. Expresses concern over voter ID requirement leading to disenfranchisement of vulnerable groups. Warns against interference with Electoral Commission as part of an ongoing process of voter suppression.
Kemi Badenoch
Con
North West Essex
Defends voter ID proposals, citing support from the Electoral Commission and international observers. Rejects Opposition concerns about disenfranchising specific groups. Supports spending limits to ensure a fair playing field in elections.
Alex Norris
Lab Co-op
Nottingham North and Kimberley
Critiques the Bill for weakening democracy, criticising its rushed passage and lack of consensus-building. Argues it undermines public participation in elections by favouring certain groups over others.
Brendan O'Hara
SNP
Argyll, Bute and South Lochaber
Describes the Bill as detrimental to democracy. Acknowledges the professionalism of staff but expresses regret over its passage, viewing it as an example of poor electoral system organisation.
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