Local Elections Covid-19 2021-02-11
2021-02-11
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP is concerned about ensuring safe conduct of the May 2021 local elections amid ongoing public health measures.
What plans does the Government have to help ensure the May 2021 local elections are covid-secure?
With your permission, Mr Speaker, I will take the questions from my hon. Friend the Member for Blyth Valley (Ian Levy) and the hon. Member for Warwick and Leamington (Matt Western) together. My hon. Friend is absolutely right: democracy should not be cancelled because of covid-19. The polls that are scheduled for May will go ahead, and it is important that he and others communicate with their constituents.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not specify concrete plans or measures to ensure elections are covid-secure
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP is concerned about the feasibility of conducting effective campaigns under current restrictions.
In 2019, we all took for granted the ability to run election campaigns that could properly engage with the electorate. Campaigning this year will look different but now more than ever, there is a need to engage with constituents. Does my right hon. Friend agree it is vital that all those standing can convey their messages to voters and elaborate on how campaigning should go ahead in a covid-secure way?
My hon. Friend is absolutely right: democracy should not be cancelled because of covid-19. The polls that are scheduled for May will go ahead, and it is important that he and others communicate with their constituents. Of course, social media provides one means of doing so. Door-to-door campaigning and leafleting are not allowed due to current restrictions but we will review how campaigners can keep faith with constituents.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not specify concrete measures for safe campaigning other than reviewing rules and using social media
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP is concerned about the fairness of current regulations on political leafleting and the role of property developers.
The public will be expecting covid-safe and fair elections. Households receive flyers from delivery services but volunteers are not allowed to deliver leaflets for parties, some ignoring rules. In local elections, representatives should speak up for constituents, not property developers that have given £4.5 million since July 2019. Does the Chancellor agree if only paid-for leafleting were allowed, it would be a disservice to democracy?
The hon. Gentleman makes important points. Some political activists are leafleting despite rules, and we deprecate that across the House. His broader point is right too; our democratic processes must be free from interference. The role of property developers needs scrutiny when cleaning up politics, and I know he will be eager as me to ensure Unite does so.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not provide a clear stance on allowing only paid-for leafleting or its impact on democracy
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP is concerned about the logistical challenges of conducting fair and safe local elections given differing public health measures across areas.
What support will the Government give to find appropriate venues with adequate ventilation? Might there be an unfair political advantage if restrictions vary between areas?
The hon. Lady raises two important questions: support for school use as polling stations, funding to local authorities for alternative venues; planning ahead for potential differences in tier restrictions by May elections.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not specify the exact level of financial support or detailed measures against unfair advantage due to tiering system
Response accuracy