Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Strategy and Policy Statement

Thursday 27 February 2025 · 2 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • The hon. Gentleman was informed that the Electoral Commission remains opposed to the strategy and policy statement, viewing it as inconsistent with its independent role.
  • The hon. Friend pointed out that only 3% of 3.5 million British citizens abroad participated in the last general election.
  • The right hon. and learned Friend stated that more can be done to ensure overseas voters understand their voting rights and are assisted in participating in future elections.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Joe Powell Lab Kensington and Bayswater
Democracy & Elections
Context

The Elections Act 2022 imposed a requirement for the Electoral Commission to publish a strategy and policy statement, which some argue undermines its independence. Joe Powell raises concerns about this issue.

Question

What discussions he has had with the Electoral Commission on the arrangements for the publication of the first strategy and policy statement? The Elections Act 2022 passed by the previous Government imposed a strategy and policy statement on the Electoral Commission, undermining its independence for some confected agenda about voter fraud, and eroding trust and confidence in the commission. Does the right hon. and learned Gentleman agree that the best course of action would be not to publish a further strategy and policy statement until such a time as the legislation can be reviewed?

Answer from Jeremy Wright (Kenilworth and Southam)

I can tell the hon. Gentleman that that is the commission’s view. He will know that the commission remains opposed to the principle of a strategy and policy statement, and views such a mechanism as inconsistent with its independent role.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific agreement on not publishing further statements

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Q2 Bob Blackman Con Harrow East
Democracy & Elections
Context

Only a small percentage of eligible British citizens overseas voted in the last general election. Bob Blackman asks about actions to increase voter turnout among this group.

Question

It is estimated that only 3% of the 3.5 million British citizens abroad participated in the last general election. What action can the Electoral Commission and my right hon. and learned Friend take to ensure that people who are eligible to vote can do so in future general elections?

Answer from Jeremy Wright (Kenilworth and Southam)

My hon. Friend is right that more can always be done to ensure that all those eligible for the franchise, which now includes a substantial number of overseas voters, understand what they are entitled to, and that we offer them all the assistance we can to participate in the process.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific action plan or timeline

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