Representation of the People Bill 2024-26

After Clause 71, insert the following new Clause—
“Hire of space and advertising at party events
(1) The Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000 is amended as follows.
(2) In section 51 (sponsorship) after subsection (3)(b) insert—
“(c) the making of any payment in respect of advertising at a conference, meeting or other event organised by or on behalf of the party, so far as the payment does not exceed the commercial rate payable for such advertising;”.
(3) In section 52 (payments, services etc. not to be regarded as donations), in subsection (3)—
(a) for “a stand” substitute “a stand or space”;
(b) for “a party conference organised” substitute “a conference, meeting or other event organised”;
(c) for “stands at party conferences” substitute “stands or space at a conference, meeting or other event organised by or on behalf of a registered party”;
(d) for “the hire of the stand in question” substitute “the hire in question”.”

This amendment excludes from sponsorship a payment for advertising at an event organised by a party, so far as it does not exceed the commercial rate. It also extends the existing exemption for the hire of a conference stand to the hire of space at any such event.

Schedule 17, page 251, leave out lines 17 to 19 and insert—
(i) relate to—
(A) the income and expenditure of an organisation to which, or an individual to whom, paragraph 1 applies,
(B) an organisation or an individual who has not registered as a third party, whom the Commission reasonably suspects is incurring spending above the relevant limit, or
(C) an organisation or an individual who is not a permitted participant, whom the Commission reasonably suspects is avoiding incurring spending above the relevant limit, and”

This amendment includes recognised non-party campaigners and individuals and organisations who aren’t permitted participants at a referendum for the purpose of the Electoral Commission’s information gathering powers.

Opposition Amendment 51A

Clause 17, page 24, line 5, leave out “or an overseas elector’s declaration”

Opposition Amendment 141A

Schedule 7, page 171, line 19, leave out paragraph 1 and insert— “1 (1) The Electoral Law Act (Northern Ireland) 1962 (c. 14 (N.I.)) is amended as follows. (2) In section 46 (election expenses returns)— (a) in subsection (1) for “returning officer” substitute “Electoral Commission”; (b) in subsection (5) for “returning officer” substitute “Electoral Commission”. (3) In section 47 (declarations as to expenses at a parliamentary election), in subsection (2) for “returning officer”, in both places it occurs, substitute “Electoral Commission”. (4) After section 50 insert— “50A Copies of returns and declarations to be sent to returning officer (1) This section applies where a person is required by section 46 or 47 to transmit a return or declaration to the Electoral Commission. (2) The person must also transmit to the returning officer a copy of— (a) the return or declaration, and (b) any document accompanying the return or declaration when it is transmitted to the Electoral Commission. (3) The copy must be transmitted within the time allowed for transmitting the return or declaration to the Electoral Commission. (4) A person who fails to comply with this section is to be treated as having failed to comply with the requirement to transmit the return or declaration.” (5) In section 52 (duty to make available for inspection returns and declarations)— (a) in subsection (1), for “or 46” substitute “or any copy of a return, declaration or accompanying documents under section 50A”; (b) for subsection (1B), substitute— “(1B) If any such copy of a return, declaration or accompanying document under section 50A contains a statement of donations in accordance with paragraph 10 of Schedule 3A the returning officer must ensure that any copy of the statement made available for public inspection or supplied under subsection (1) excludes the address of any individual who has made a donation.”; (c) after subsection (2), insert— “(3) Subsections (4) and (5) apply where the Electoral Commission receives a return, declaration or accompanying document under section 46 or 47. (4) Subsections (2) to (5) and (7) of section 149 of the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000 (inspection of certain registers and documents) apply in relation to the return, declaration or accompanying document as they apply in relation to a register within subsection (1) of that section. But the application of those provisions is subject to the provisions applied by subsection (5). (5) Subsections (1A) and (3) of this section apply to the Electoral Commission in respect of the return, declaration or accompanying document received under sections 46 and 47 as they apply to the copy (with the reference to “those two years” in subsection (2) being read as a reference to the period of two years beginning with the day on which the appropriate officer receives the return, declaration or accompanying document).””

Opposition Amendment 141B

Schedule 7, page 172, line 25, leave out paragraph 2 and insert— “2 (1) RPA 1983 is amended as follows. (2) In section 75 (prohibition of expenses not authorised by election agent), in subsection (2)(a) for “appropriate officer” substitute “Electoral Commission”. (3) In section 75A (Scottish local government elections: prohibition of expenses not authorised by election agent), in subsection (6) for “appropriate officer” substitute “Electoral Commission”. (4) In section 81 (return as to election expenses)— (a) in subsection (1) for “appropriate officer” substitute “Electoral Commission”; (b) in subsection (5) for “appropriate officer” substitute “Electoral Commission”. (5) In section 82 (declarations as to election expenses)— (a) in subsection (2) for “appropriate officer” substitute “Electoral Commission”; (b) in subsection (3)(b) for “appropriate officer” substitute “Electoral Commission”. (6) For section 87A (returns and declarations to be forwarded to Electoral Commission by officer receiving them) substitute— “87A Copies of returns and declarations to be sent to the appropriate officer (1) This section applies where a person is required by section 75, 75A, 81 or 82 to deliver a return or declaration to the Electoral Commission. (2) The person must also deliver to the appropriate officer a copy of— (a) the return or declaration, and (b) any document accompanying the return or declaration when it is delivered to the Electoral Commission. (3) The copy must be delivered within the time allowed for delivering the return or declaration to the Electoral Commission. (4) A person who fails to comply with this section is to be treated as having failed to comply with the requirement to deliver the return or declaration.” (7) Omit section 87B (which makes provision for Scottish local government elections similar to that made by section 87A). (8) In section 89 (duty to make available for inspection returns and declarations)— (a) in subsection (1), for “or declaration under section 75, 75A, 81 or 82 above” insert “, declaration or accompanying document under section 87A”; (b) for subsection (1A) substitute— “(1A) If any such copy of a return, declaration or accompanying document contains a statement of donations in accordance with paragraph 10 of Schedule 2A, the appropriate officer must ensure that the copy of the statement made available for public inspection under subsection (1)(a) above or (as the case may be) supplied under subsection (1)(b) above does not include, in the case of any donation by an individual, the donor’s address.”; (c) after subsection (3) insert— “(4) Subsections (5) and (6) apply where the Electoral Commission receives a return, declaration or accompanying document under sections 75, 75A, 81 or 82. (5) Subsections (2) to (5) and (7) of section 149 of the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000 (inspection of certain registers and documents) apply in relation to the return, declaration or accompanying document as they apply in relation to a register within subsection (1) of that section. But the application of those provisions is subject to the provisions applied by subsection (6). (6) Subsections (1A) to (3) of this section apply to the Electoral Commission in respect of the return, declaration or accompanying document as they apply to the copy (with the reference to “those two years” in subsection (2) being read as a reference to the period of two years beginning with the day on which the appropriate officer receives the return, declaration or accompanying document).””

Opposition Amendment 141C

Schedule 7, page 173, line 24, leave out paragraph 3 and insert— “3 (1) Schedule 5 to the Recall of MPs Act 2015 (recall petitions returns) is amended as follows. (2) In paragraph 6 (delivery of returns to petition officer)— (a) in sub-paragraph (1), for “petition officer” substitute “Electoral Commission”; (b) in sub-paragraph (2), for “petition officer”, in both places it occurs, substitute “Electoral Commission”; (c) after sub-paragraph (3) insert— “(4) Where the responsible person is required by this paragraph to deliver a return or document to the Electoral Commission, the person must also deliver a copy of it to the petition officer. (5) The copy must be delivered within the time allowed for delivering the return or document to the Electoral Commission.” (3) In paragraph 7(1) (illegal practices)— (a) in paragraph (b), for “petition officer” substitute “Electoral Commission”; (b) omit the “or” after paragraph (d); (c) in paragraph (e) for “petition officer” substitute “Electoral Commission”; (d) after paragraph (e), insert “, or (f) fails to deliver a copy of a return or document to the petition officer as required by paragraph 6(4) and (5).” (4) Omit paragraph 8 and the italic heading before it (onward delivery of returns to Electoral Commission). (5) In the italic heading before paragraph 9, at the end insert “: Electoral Commission”. (6) In paragraph 9 (inspection of returns and accompanying documents)— (a) in sub-paragraph 9(1)(a)(i), before “a” insert “the copy of”; (b) in sub-paragraph 9(1)(a)(ii), before “a” insert “the copy of”; (c) in sub-paragraph 9(1)(a)(iii), before “a” insert “the copy of”; (d) in sub-paragraph 9(1)(b), after “make the” insert “copy of the”; (e) in sub-paragraph 9(4), after second “which,” insert “the copies of the”; (f) for sub-paragraphs 9(5)(a) and (b), substitute— “(a) cause the copy of the recall petition return (or, as the case may be, copy of the supplementary return), and any copy of the declaration or other document accompanying the return, to be destroyed, or (b) if the responsible person in relation to the accredited campaigner in question so requests, cause the copy of the return and those documents (or any of them) to be returned to the responsible person.” (7) After paragraph 9 insert— “Inspection of returns and accompanying documents: petition officer 9A (1) This paragraph applies where the Electoral Commission receives a return or document under paragraph 6. (2) Subsections (2) to (5) and (7) of section 149 of the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000 (inspection of certain registers and documents) apply in relation to the recall petition as they apply in relation to a register within subsection (1) of that section. But the application of those provisions is subject to the following sub-paragraphs. (3) Where this paragraph applies in relation to a recall petition return that contains a statement mentioned in paragraph 3 or 4 that includes the home address of a donor who is an individual, the provisions applied by sub-paragraph (2) apply in relation to a modified copy of the statement that does not include the donor’s home address. (4) After the expiry of the period of 2 years beginning with the day on which the Electoral Commission receives the copy, the Electoral Commission must— (a) cause the copy to be destroyed, or (b) if the responsible person in relation to the accredited campaigner in question so requests, cause the recall petition return to be returned to the responsible person.””

None 228A

Schedule 17, page 251, line 9, leave out “about the finances of” and insert “from”

None 228B

Schedule 17, page 251, leave out lines 17 to 19

None 229A

Schedule 17, page 251, leave out lines 22 to 30

Opposition Amendment 240A

After Clause 79, insert the following new Clause— “Electoral Commission: power to obtain contact details (1) In rule 14 (publication of statement of persons nominated) of Schedule 1 to RPA 1983 (parliamentary elections rules), after sub-paragraph (5)(b), insert— “(c) the name, address and any other contact details provided of all validly nominated candidates, and (d) the name, address and any other contact details provided of all election agents. (6) As soon as reasonably practicable following the publication of the statement of persons nominated, the electoral registration officer must send to the Electoral Commission the electorate figure. (7) For the purposes of this section, the electorate figure means the number of entries in the register of electors to be used when calculating the maximum amount of spending in accordance with section 76(2) (limitation of election expenses).” (2) In paragraph 22 of Schedule 3 to the Recall of MPs Act 2015 (regulation of expenditure), after sub-paragraph (1), insert— “(1A) As soon as reasonably practicable following the appointment of a responsible person, the petition officer must send to the Electoral Commission the name, address and any other contact details provided of the responsible person.””

None 44A

After Clause 16, insert the following new Clause— “Guidance for safeguarding children during political campaigning (1) The Secretary of State must consult the Electoral Commission about publishing guidance on safeguarding children during political campaigning. (2) In this section “political campaigning” refers to any activity undertaken to increase support for a registered political party, candidate or referendum outcome.”

None 44B

After Clause 16, insert the following new Clause— “Voting eligibility of convicted persons in detention In section 3 of RPA 1983 (disfranchisement of offenders in prison etc.)— (a) for subsection (1), substitute— “(1) A convicted person, during the time that they are detained in a penal institution in pursuance of a sentence imposed for a term exceeding 12 months, or unlawfully at large when they would otherwise be so detained, is legally incapable of voting at any parliamentary or local government election.” (b) omit subsection (1A), and (c) in subsection (1B), for “1A” substitute “1”.”

Opposition Amendment 116A

After Clause 52, insert the following new Clause— “False statements as to candidates: deepfakes In section 106 of RPA 1983 (false statements as to candidates), after subsection (1) insert— “(1A) For the purposes of subsection (1), a false statement of fact in relation to the personal character or conduct of a candidate includes any electronic communication, including visual images, audio recordings or text, that has been generated or materially altered by means of an AI system or synthetic media, depicting the candidate saying something that they did not say or doing something that did not occur. (1B) A person does not commit an offence under subsection (1) by virtue of subsection (1A) if— (a) the communication constitutes genuine parody, satire, caricature, or artistic expression, and (b) a reasonable person would recognise it as such, or it is accompanied by a clear and prominent disclosure label stating that the content has been synthetically generated or altered. (1C) In this section— “AI system” has the same meaning as in section 135(4) of the Data (Use and Access) Act 2025; “synthetic media” means visual images, audio recordings, or textual content that have been artificially generated, altered, or manipulated by digital, electronic, or computational means.””

None 155A

After Clause 62, insert the following new Clause— “Power to vary donations cap limit (1) PPERA 2000 is amended as follows. (2) After section 56 (acceptance or return of donations: general) insert— “56A Power to vary donations cap following review (1) Within 12 months of the day on which a United Kingdom parliamentary general election is held, the Secretary of State must carry out and publish a review of— (a) any cap on political donations in force at the time of the review, or (b) if no cap on political donations is in force at that time, whether such a cap should be imposed. (2) In conducting a review under subsection (1), the Secretary of State must— (a) have regard to technical advice from the Electoral Commission on workability and enforcement, (b) consult and have regard to the views of the registered leader of each registered party to which two or more Members of the House of Commons then belong, and (c) have regard to the effectiveness and appropriate level of any existing donations cap, or whether a donations cap would be effective and, if so, the appropriate level at which it should be set. (3) In conducting a review under subsection (1), the Secretary of State may also consult and have regard to the views of others with relevant knowledge and expertise, such as the Ethics and Integrity Commission. (4) The Secretary of State must publish the conclusions of the review and a Minister must either make an oral statement to the House of Commons on the conclusions of the review, or lay a written statement before Parliament which discusses the conclusions of the review and the reasons for not making an oral statement. (5) The Secretary of State may by regulations specify a limit they consider appropriate for the purposes of a donations cap only following a post-election review under subsection (1), and within six months of the conclusion of that review. (6) Where another United Kingdom parliamentary general election falls within the period specified under subsection (1), the review must be completed within 12 months of the day of that subsequent general election.” (3) In section 156 (orders and regulations), after subsection (4)(b) insert— “(ba) section 56A(5),””

None 237A

After Clause 78, insert the following new Clause— “Promotion of understanding of political parties and democratic participation among young voters (1) Section 13 of PPERA 2000 (education about electoral and democratic systems) is amended as follows. (2) After subsection (1) insert— “(1A) The Commission must, in the exercise of its functions under this section, promote awareness and understanding among potential voters aged 16 and 17 of— (a) the arrangements for registration as a parliamentary elector, a local government elector or referendum voter in England or Northern Ireland, a Northern Ireland Assembly elector, or a Police and Crime Commissioner elector in England or Wales, that apply to them, and (b) the role of political parties in representative democracy, including their functions in developing policy, selecting candidates, representing political opinions, forming governments and providing opposition. (1B) In carrying out its duties under subsection (1A), the Commission must— (a) act impartially as between registered political parties; (b) respect the freedom of individuals to choose whether, and in what manner, to participate in party political activity; (c) not promote support for or opposition to any particular registered political party or candidate.” (3) After subsection (4) insert— “(4A) The Commission must include in its annual report an account of the activities undertaken in pursuance of subsection (1A), including an assessment of their effectiveness in improving understanding among 16 and 17 year olds of the role of political parties.””

None 269A

After Clause 84, insert the following new Clause— “Media and political literacy duties relating to elections and referendums (1) The Online Safety Act 2023 is amended as follows. (2) In section 6 (overview of Part 3), after subsection (5) insert— “(5A) Section 40A imposes duties on providers of certain regulated user-to-user services and regulated search services relating to media and political literacy in connection with elections and referendums.” (3) After section 40 (fraud etc offences) insert— “40A Media and political literacy duties relating to elections and referendums (1) A provider of a Category 1 service or a Category 2A service must take reasonable and proportionate measures in the design and operation of the service which are designed to support the media and political literacy of United Kingdom users of the service in relation to elections and referendums held in the United Kingdom, including their ability to understand and evaluate information about voting arrangements, candidates and political campaigning encountered by means of the service. (2) For the purposes of this section, supporting the media and political literacy of users in relation to such elections and referendums includes supporting their ability to— (a) understand how information relating to elections or referendums is selected, ranked, recommended or otherwise presented to them, (b) assess the source, provenance and context of such information, (c) understand when such information has been generated or materially altered by artificial intelligence, where information to that effect is available to the provider, (d) understand political advertising and other forms of political campaigning relating to elections or referendums encountered by means of the service, (e) understand and make effective use of tools and settings by which users can control or better understand their experience of the service, and (f) critically evaluate such information and seek further information or sources before deciding whether to trust, share or act upon it. (3) In determining what measures are reasonable and proportionate under subsection (1), a provider must have regard in particular to— (a) the nature, functionalities and reach of the service, (b) the size and capacity of the provider, (c) the characteristics and needs of United Kingdom users of the service, and (d) the degree of control exercised by the provider over the design and operation of the service and the presentation of information to users. (4) A provider subject to the duty in subsection (1) must, at appropriate intervals— (a) evaluate the effectiveness of the measures taken, (b) identify any material shortcomings or unintended effects revealed by that evaluation, and (c) take reasonable and proportionate steps to address them. (5) A provider must make and keep a written record of the measures taken under subsection (1), the evaluation carried out under subsection (4), and any steps taken in consequence of that evaluation. (6) In complying with this section, a provider must have particular regard to the importance of— (a) protecting users’ right to freedom of expression within the law, and (b) protecting the privacy of users. (7) Nothing in this section requires a provider or OFCOM— (a) to determine the truth or accuracy of an individual item of lawful content, or (b) to remove or restrict users’ access to lawful content. (8) A provider is to be treated as complying with the duty in subsection (1) if the provider takes or uses the measures described in a code of practice under section 41 which are recommended for the purpose of compliance with that duty. (9) Subsection (8)— (a) does not prevent a provider from complying with subsection (1) by taking or using other measures, and (b) does not affect the duties in subsections (4) and (5).” (4) In section 41 (codes of practice about duties), after subsection (4) insert— “(4A) OFCOM must prepare and issue a code of practice for providers of Category 1 services and providers of Category 2A services describing measures recommended for the purpose of compliance with section 40A(1), and giving guidance about the evaluation of those measures for the purposes of section 40A(4). (4B) In preparing a code under subsection (4A), OFCOM must have regard to the desirability of— (a) media and political literacy in relation to elections and referendums being supported through the design and operation of services; (b) measures being accessible and appropriate to different groups of users, (c) measures being informed by evidence about their effectiveness, and (d) measures being adapted, where appropriate, to the particular information needs of users before and during elections and referendums.” (5) In section 41(5)(b), for “or (4)” insert “, (4) or (4A)”. (6) In the table in section 131(2) (requirements enforceable by OFCOM against providers of regulated services), after the entry for section 39 insert— “Section 40A | Media and political literacy in relation to elections and referendums”. (7) The Office of Communications must submit a draft of the first code of practice under section 41(4A) of the Online Safety Act 2023 to the Secretary of State under section 43(1) of that Act within 12 months beginning with the day on which this section comes into force. (8) The duties in section 40A of the Online Safety Act 2023 apply from the day on which the first code of practice under section 41(4A) comes into force.”

None 269B

After Clause 84, insert the following new Clause— “Report on foreign state information operations and electoral integrity (1) The Secretary of State must, within the period of 12 months beginning with the day on which this Act is passed, and at intervals of not more than 12 months thereafter, lay before each House of Parliament a report on information operations conducted, directed or assisted by or on behalf of a foreign power which are intended or likely to— (a) influence the conduct or outcome of a relevant election, (b) affect participation in a relevant election, or (c) undermine public confidence in the integrity of relevant elections. (2) The report must assess the extent to which such operations seek to achieve the purposes set out in subsection (1) by stirring up or exploiting hostility towards candidates on grounds of race or religion, including antisemitism. (3) The report must include an assessment of— (a) the impact of such operations on the conduct, participation and integrity of relevant elections and on the experiences of candidates, campaigners, electoral administrators and electors, including with respect to intimidation or harassment, (b) the steps taken by the Electoral Commission, OFCOM, the police and any other relevant public authority to identify, disrupt and respond to such operations, and (c) whether further legislative or regulatory measures are required. (4) In preparing the report, the Secretary of State must consult the Electoral Commission, OFCOM and such other persons as the Secretary of State considers appropriate, including persons representing communities affected by the matters discussed in subsection (2). (5) Nothing in this section requires the publication of material the disclosure of which would, in the opinion of the Secretary of State, be prejudicial to national security; but where material is withheld, the report must say so. (6) In this section— “antisemitism” is to be construed having regard to the working definition of antisemitism adopted by His Majesty’s Government in December 2016; “foreign power” has the meaning given by section 32 of the National Security Act 2023; “information operation” means coordinated activity to create, amplify or disseminate information or narratives, including through inauthentic or automated accounts; “OFCOM” means the Office of Communications; “relevant election” means a parliamentary election, an election to the Northern Ireland Assembly or a local government election in England or Northern Ireland.”

Opposition Amendment 251

After Clause 52, insert the following new Clause—
“Review of the impact of this Act on voting systems at relevant elections
(1) The Electoral Commission must establish an independent review of the impact of changes made by this Act on the suitability of the voting systems used at relevant elections (“the review”).
(2) The review must consider, in relation to each voting system used at a relevant election—
(a) how far persons who become entitled to vote, or to be registered, by virtue of section 1 and 3 respectively are able to understand how to vote and how their votes will be counted, having regard to the steps taken under sections 15 and 16 and the information provided under sections 50 to 52;
(b) the proportion of votes cast by persons aged 16 and 17 that contribute to the election of a candidate;
(c) the effect of the following on participation in the election and on the number of ballot papers rejected—
(i) the voter identification requirement, as amended by section 48,
(ii) the arrangements for absent voting under section 49 and Schedule 3, and
(iii) registration without an application under sections 17 and 18 and Schedule 2;
(d) the effect of any pilot regulations made under section 20 or 28, and the conclusions of any report of the Electoral Commission under section 24 or 29, so far as relevant to the voting system;
(e) the effect of Part 1, sections 17, 18, 20, 28, 48 to 52 and Schedules 2 and 3 on the proportionality or disproportionality of the election measured by a range of proportionality measures including the Loosemore-Hanby, Gallagher and Sainte-Laguë indexes;
(f) any other matters related to the impact of this Act which the Electoral Commission considers relevant.
(3) The Electoral Commission may consult—
(a) the Scottish Ministers, the Welsh Ministers and the Northern Ireland departments;
(b) the Chief Electoral Officer for Northern Ireland, registration officers and returning officers, or bodies representing them;
(c) organisations representing young people;
(d) any other person the Electoral Commission considers appropriate.
(4) The review must report to the Secretary of State no later than 12 months after the polling day on which the first general election is held after section 1 comes into force.
(5) The Secretary of State must—
(a) lay the report before Parliament, and
(b) within three months beginning with the day on which it is laid, make a statement to Parliament responding to it.
(6) In this section—
“relevant election” means an election at which persons aged 16 and 17 are entitled to vote by virtue of section 1;
“voting system” means the system by which votes cast at an election are counted and used to determine which candidate or candidates are elected.”

This amendment seeks a review into the effects of this Act on the voting system, voter participation and voter awareness.

None 96

After Clause 40, insert the following new Clause—
“Presiding officers: powers to challenge suspected personation
(1) In Schedule 1 to the Representation of the People Act 1983 (parliamentary elections rules), after rule 37(1G) insert—
“(1H) Where a presiding officer has reasonable grounds to suspect that a person applying for a ballot paper is committing or attempting to commit an offence under section 60 (personation), the presiding officer may, in addition to the questions in paragraph (1) of rule 35—
(a) put such further questions relating to the entry in the register as the presiding officer considers necessary to establish whether the person is the elector named in it,
(b) require the person to produce further evidence of identity or address,
(c) require the person's identity to be verified a second time, in private if the person asks, by a second member of polling station staff,
(d) refuse to deliver a ballot paper if the person does not satisfy the presiding officer of their identity, and
(e) request the attendance of a constable.
(1I) Reasonable grounds under paragraph (1H) must rest on matters observed at the polling station or on information in the register and may not rest solely on a protected characteristic within section 4 of the Equality Act 2010, or on the person's language, dress or accent.
(1J) A presiding officer who exercises a power under paragraph (1H) must—
(a) record the reasons in writing at the time, and
(b) tell the person they may return before the close of the poll with further evidence of identity.
(1K) A presiding officer who acts in good faith under this rule is not liable in civil proceedings for doing so.”
(2) The Electoral Commission must issue a code of practice on the exercise of powers under rule 37(1H), and returning officers must ensure presiding officers are trained in it.
(3) After each general election and each local or devolved election, returning officers must report to the Electoral Commission the number of challenges, refusals and referrals to police, and the Commission must publish a summary.
(4) The Secretary of State may by regulations make equivalent provision for other elections and referendums to which this Act applies.
(5) Regulations under this section are to be made by statutory instrument and may not be made unless a draft of the instrument has been laid before and approved by a resolution of each House of Parliament.”

This new Clause strengthens presiding officers' ability to prevent in-person personation, with safeguards against discriminatory or arbitrary use.

None 294

Clause 90, page 128, line 11, at end insert—
“(ha) section (Overseas voting: White Paper and legislation);”

This amendment and another in the name of Lord Frost require a review of voting through British diplomatic and consular posts, including for postal voters who will be abroad on polling day, and a White Paper within 12 months with draft legislation for consultation where required. The consequential amendment brings the review and publication duties into force on Royal Assent.

None 97

After Clause 48, insert the following new Clause—
“Voter identification reporting requirements: removal of cut-off date
(1) Section 59A of the Representation of the People Act 1983 is amended as follows.
(2) In subsection (2), omit “each of the first two”.
(3) In subsection (5), for “the first” substitute “all”.”

This amendment would require local authorities to continue to complete voter identification evaluation forms following local and general elections, beyond the current cut-off of the next general election. This would provide continuing data to the Electoral Commission and others to track where, and in what ways, eligible voters encounter barriers to voting because of voter ID requirements.

None 98

After Clause 48, insert the following new Clause—
“Annual report on the operation of voter identification at polling stations
(1) The Electoral Commission must publish an annual report on the operation of the requirement to produce identification at polling stations, including an analysis of the information collected under rule 40B of Schedule 1 to the Representation of the People Act 1983 (parliamentary election rules) and of the ballot paper refusal lists completed under rule 40ZB of that Schedule, or under any corresponding provision for other elections.
(2) In preparing each report, the Commission must consult organisations representing or working with the electors most at risk of being unable to vote because of that requirement, including any advisory board or panel on which the Commission sits for that purpose, and must share the information mentioned in subsection (1) with them in a form which does not identify any individual.
(3) Each report must include a summary of the evidence and comments received under subsection (2) and the Commission’s response to them.”

This amendment seeks to require the Electoral Commission to publish an annual report on voter identification, drawing on polling station evaluation data and ballot paper refusal lists. Before publishing, the Electoral Commission would have to consult organisations representing the electors most affected and share the data with them in anonymised form, and the report would have to include their evidence and the Commission’s response.

None 99

After Clause 48, insert the following new Clause—
“Review of accepted voter identification documents
(1) Within the period of 12 months beginning with the day on which this Act is passed, and annually thereafter, the Secretary of State must review whether further documents should be added to the documents accepted as proof of identity at polling stations under rule 37(1H) of Schedule 1 to the Representation of the People Act 1983 (parliamentary election rules), by regulations under rule 37(1Q) of that Schedule.
(2) In carrying out each review, the Secretary of State must have particular regard to electors under the age of 25, who are less likely than other electors to hold an accepted document or bank card.
(3) In carrying out each review, the Secretary of State must consult the Electoral Commission and organisations representing or working with electors who are less likely than others to hold an accepted document or bank card, and must have regard to the Commission's most recent report under section (Annual report on the operation of voter identification at polling stations).
(4) The Secretary of State must lay before each House of Parliament a report on each review, setting out the documents considered, any documents added or to be added, and the reasons for not adding any document considered.”

This amendment would require the Secretary of State to conduct an annual review on whether further forms of identification should be accepted at polling stations, with particular regard to voters under 25, who are less likely than others to hold accepted ID. It would also ensure more broadly that the list of accepted ID is kept under review rather than being treated as settled by any changes made in this Bill, including the addition of bank cards.

None 70

After Clause 38, insert the following new Clause—
“Voter registration: unique identification number
(1) The Secretary of State must make regulations by statutory instrument to ensure that when an individual registers to vote, that registration is assigned a single unique identification number.
(2) The unique identification number set out in regulations under in subsection (1) may be—
(a) a Government Gateway user ID,
(b) a passport number,
(c) a National Insurance number, or
(d) any other appropriate number as set out in regulations.
(3) The regulations must set out that—
(a) the unique identification number assigned under subsection (2) is stored in the confidential part of the electoral register alongside the details of each individual voter,
(b) before and after any election an election officer may access all unique identification numbers in order to identify duplicate registrations and votes, and
(c) following any election, the Electoral Commission may request information from election officers about how many and which voters have cast ballots on more than one occasion by reference to the unique identification number.
(4) A statutory instrument containing regulations under this section may not be made unless a draft of the instrument has been laid before, and approved by a resolution of, each House of Parliament.”

This amendment would require each voter registration to be accompanied by a unique code to identify voters, which can be accessed by election officers and the Electoral Commission to better ensure the integrity of the register and to more easily identify duplicate registrations and where voters may have voted more than once.

None 61

After Clause 16, insert the following new Clause—
“Registration of voters: review of electoral arrangements
(1) Following the publication of a report under section 24, and before 31 October 2031, the Secretary of State must arrange for an independent review of the impact that the registration of voters without an application, as under section 17, could have on the number and boundaries of parliamentary constituencies.
(2) A report must be prepared following an independent review under subsection (1) and a copy provided to the Secretary of State.”

Lord Hayward gives notice of his intention to oppose the Question that Clause 18 stand part of the Bill.

This amendment, and others in the name of Lord Hayward, seek to probe whether other parts of the UK should adopt Northern Ireland’s approach to access to the electoral register.

Lord Hayward gives notice of his intention to oppose the Question that Clause 19 stand part of the Bill.

This amendment, and others in the name of Lord Hayward, seek to probe whether other parts of the UK should adopt Northern Ireland’s approach to access to the electoral register.

Lord Hayward gives notice of his intention to oppose the Question that Clause 20 stand part of the Bill.

This amendment, and others in the name of Lord Hayward, seek to probe whether other parts of the UK should adopt Northern Ireland’s approach to access to the electoral register.

Lord Hayward gives notice of his intention to oppose the Question that Clause 21 stand part of the Bill.

This amendment, and others in the name of Lord Hayward, seek to probe whether other parts of the UK should adopt Northern Ireland’s approach to access to the electoral register.

Lord Hayward gives notice of his intention to oppose the Question that Clause 22 stand part of the Bill.

This amendment, and others in the name of Lord Hayward, seek to probe whether other parts of the UK should adopt Northern Ireland’s approach to access to the electoral register.

Lord Hayward gives notice of his intention to oppose the Question that Clause 23 stand part of the Bill.

This amendment, and others in the name of Lord Hayward, seek to probe whether other parts of the UK should adopt Northern Ireland’s approach to access to the electoral register.

Lord Hayward gives notice of his intention to oppose the Question that Clause 24 stand part of the Bill.

This amendment, and others in the name of Lord Hayward, seek to probe whether other parts of the UK should adopt Northern Ireland’s approach to access to the electoral register.

Lord Hayward gives notice of his intention to oppose the Question that Clause 25 stand part of the Bill.

This amendment, and others in the name of Lord Hayward, seek to probe whether other parts of the UK should adopt Northern Ireland’s approach to access to the electoral register.

Lord Hayward gives notice of his intention to oppose the Question that Clause 32 stand part of the Bill.

This amendment, and others in the name of Lord Hayward, seek to allow for a debate on electoral bureaucracy and administration

Lord Hayward gives notice of his intention to oppose the Question that Clause 39 stand part of the Bill.

This amendment, and others in the name of Lord Hayward, seek to allow for a debate on electoral bureaucracy and administration.

Lord Hayward gives notice of his intention to oppose the Question that Clause 40 stand part of the Bill.

This amendment, and others in the name of Lord Hayward, seek to allow for a debate on electoral bureaucracy and administration.

Government Amendment 74

After Clause 40, insert the following new Clause—
“Payments by and to returning officers: repeal of proposed transfer of functions
(1) Omit—
(a) paragraph 6(3) of Schedule 21 to PPERA 2000 (which amends section 29 of RPA 1983 (payments by and to returning officers)), and
(b) paragraph 7 of that Schedule (which amends regulations which modify section 29 of RPA 1983).
(2) The powers to make regulations conferred by the amendments made by those paragraphs are to be treated as never having been in force (despite section 163(3)(d) of PPERA 2000).
(3) In consequence of subsection (1), omit the following—
(a) paragraph 6(7)(a) of Schedule 21 to PPERA 2000;
(b) paragraph 107 of Schedule 1 to the Electoral Administration Act 2006;
(c) section 18(3) of the Electoral Registration and Administration Act 2013.”

This new clause would repeal provisions which would transfer functions under section 29 of the Representation of the People Act 1983 (payments by and to returning officers) from the Secretary of State to the Electoral Commission.

Government Amendment 82

Clause 47, page 59, line 14, at end insert—
“(A1) Schedule 5 to the Electoral Law Act (Northern Ireland) 1962 (c. 14 (N.I.)) (local elections rules) is amended as set out in subsections (1) and (1A).”

This amendment is consequential on my amendment to Clause 47, page 59, line 21.

Government Amendment 83

Clause 47, page 59, line 15, leave out from “34” to “procedure” in line 16 and insert “(voting”

This amendment is consequential on my amendment to Clause 47, page 59, line 21.

Government Amendment 84

Clause 47, page 59, line 21, at end insert—
“(1A) In rule 41 (procedure on close of poll), in paragraph (1)(da) (completed corresponding number lists), for “rule 16A including the part that was” substitute “rule 26(3)(e) that were”.”

This amendment would update an incorrect reference relating to completed corresponding number lists so that it correctly refers to the rule that governs the provision of corresponding number lists to polling station presiding officers for local elections in Northern Ireland. This is equivalent to Clause 47(4)(a) of the Bill.

Government Amendment 85

Clause 47, page 60, line 10, after “subsections” insert “(1A),”

This amendment would provide for the new subsection inserted by my amendment to Clause 47, page 59, line 21 to have retrospective effect.

None 79

Clause 42, page 50, line 25, at end insert—
“(3A) After rule 6 insert—
“6AA (1)A person is not validly nominated unless the person makes a declaration that they assent to undertake an enhanced DBS check and obtain an enhanced DBS certificate if elected.
(2)The Secretary of State may make regulations which make necessary provision for the designation of an organisation from which the DBS check under paragraph 1 must be obtained.
(3)The Secretary of State must lay before Parliament draft regulations under paragraph 2 before the end of the period of 90 days beginning with the day on which the Representation of the People Act 2026 is passed.
(4)For the purposes of this rule, “enhanced DBS check” means an enhanced check with the Disclosure and Barring Service for the purposes of Part V of the Police Act 1997.””

This amendment would require candidates in a parliamentary election to agree to undertake and fund an enhanced DBS check if elected, to be obtained from an organisation to be designated by the Secretary of State.

Lord Hayward gives notice of his intention to oppose the Question that Clause 44 stand part of the Bill.

None 100

After Clause 48, insert the following new Clause—
“Blind and partially sighted voters: equipment and secret voting
(1) Rule 29 (equipment of polling stations) of Schedule 1 to RPA 1983 (parliamentary elections rules) is amended as follows.
(2) In paragraph (3)(a), at end insert “independently and in secret”.
(3) For paragraph (3A) substitute—
“(3A) The returning officer shall also provide each polling station with such equipment as is necessary to ensure that relevant persons are able to vote independently and in secret, including—
(a) tactile equipment that enables the voter to navigate the ballot paper and accurately mark their chosen candidate without assistance, and
(b) audio equipment that enables the voter to access and review the content of the ballot paper in the language in which it is printed without assistance.
(3AA) For the purposes of paragraph (3A)(b), a person is able to vote independently and in secret only if they are not required to rely on the assistance of the presiding officer, companion, or any other person to navigate, review and mark the ballot paper.””

This new clause would require certain equipment to be provided to people who find it difficult or impossible to vote because they are blind, partially sighted, or because of another disability in order for them to be able to vote independently and in secret.

None 223

After Clause 73, insert the following new Clause—
“Extend the prohibition on political advertising to online audiovisual and audio services
(1) A provider of a relevant online audiovisual or audio service must not include, insert, display or cause to be played a political advertisement in connection with the provision of that service to users in the United Kingdom.
(2) For the purposes of this section—
“political advertisement” is an advertisement which exists for the purpose set out in section 43 of the Elections Act 2022 (purposes referred to in section 42);
“relevant online audiovisual or audio service” means a service provided wholly or partly by means of the internet which enables users to access audiovisual or audio content, whether live or on demand, including—
(a) a video-sharing or video-on-demand service,
(b) an audio streaming service,
(c) a radio selection service, or
(d) another service enabling the selection or reception of audiovisual or audio content through internet-connected equipment.
(3) The prohibition applies irrespective of whether the advertisement is presented before, during or after the content, or is inserted or selected by the provider of the service or another person.
(4) The Office of Communications must make arrangements for monitoring and enforcing compliance with this section.”

This amendment seeks to extend the prohibition on political advertising on television and radio to new media such as YouTube and smart speakers.

None 225

After Clause 84, insert the following new Clause—
“Repository of digital political advertising
After section 61 of the Elections Act 2022 insert—
“Part 6A
Repository of digital political advertising
61A Establishing a repository of digital political advertising
(1) The Secretary of State must, by regulations made by statutory instrument, make provision to require the Electoral Commission to establish a repository of paid-for digital political advertising.
(2) Any regulations made under subsection (1) must—
(a) provide for the repository of political advertising to be publicly accessible,
(b) specify that a provider of a Category 1 service within the meaning of the Online Safety Act 2023 must ensure that prescribed information relating to such advertising is submitted to the repository as soon as reasonably practicable, and, in any event, within 72 hours,
(c) set out the types of information to be prescribed, and
(d) provide for material in the repository to be transferred to the National Archives for preservation after a certain period.
(3) Before making any regulations that make provision for the matters under subsection 2(c), the Secretary of State must consult—
(a) the Electoral Commission,
(b) the Information Commissioner’s Office, and
(c) Ofcom.
(4) A statutory instrument containing regulations under subsection (1) may not be made unless a draft of the instrument has been laid before, and approved by a resolution of, each House of Parliament.””

This new clause requires the Secretary of State to bring forward regulations to require the Electoral Commission to establish a publicly available repository of political advertising.

Baroness Bennett of Manor Castle gives notice of her intention to oppose the Question that Clause 2 stand part of the Bill.

None 43

After Clause 16, insert the following new Clause—
“Citizenship education for newly enfranchised young people
(1) The Secretary of State must by regulations, within 12 months of the day on which this Act is passed, make provision for the establishment of a catch-up programme of political and media literacy and citizenship education in relation to elections in secondary schools to support the extension of the franchise to 16 and 17 year olds.
(2) Regulations under subsection (1) may in particular and without limitation, within the citizenship education programme and across the schools curriculum—
(a) make provision for the promotion of awareness among relevant persons of current electoral systems in the United Kingdom and any pending such systems;
(b) make provision for education on political and media literacy in relation to elections;
(c) make provision for the promotion of electoral confidence and participation of socioeconomically disadvantaged or politically underrepresented groups, including girls and young women;
(d) make provision for teacher training and continuing professional development to support the programme of political and media literacy and citizenship education in relation to elections.
(3) Before making regulations under subsection (1) the Secretary of State must lay before Parliament a report on the likely impact on the electoral participation of relevant persons if a programme of citizenship and political and media literacy education in relation to elections is not provided.
(4) A report laid under subsection (3) must include—
(a) an assessment of existing political and media literacy and citizenship education in relation to elections and electoral participation rates of particular demographics of relevant persons, including girls and young women, to be determined by the Secretary of State, and
(b) an assessment of the likely impact on particular demographic groups of relevant persons, including girls and young women, if a programme of political and media Literacy and citizenship education in relation to elections is not provided.
(5) In preparing the report laid under subsection (4), the Secretary of State must consult—
(a) children and young people who are, or will be within two years, newly enfranchised to vote;
(b) teachers and education professionals;
(c) experts, charities and civil society organisations offering support to promote democratic education, citizenship, political and media literacy, and electoral participation.
(6) For the purposes of this section, “relevant persons” are children and young people who—
(a) are enfranchised as a result of section 1 of this Act, or
(b) are entitled to be registered as a parliamentary or local government elector before reaching voting age as a result of section 3 of this Act.
(7) Regulations under this section are to be made by statutory instrument.
(8) A statutory instrument containing regulations under this section may not be made unless a draft of the instrument has been laid before and approved by a resolution of each House of Parliament.”

This amendment requires the Secretary of State to establish a catch-up programme of political and media literacy and citizenship education in relation to elections in secondary schools to support votes at 16, including measures to promote electoral confidence and participation among socio-economically disadvantaged or politically underrepresented groups including girls and young women.

None 44

After Clause 16, insert the following new Clause—
“Education about electoral and democratic systems in schools
(1) Section 13 of PPERA 2000 (education about electoral and democratic systems) is amended as follows.
(2) After subsection (1) insert—
“(1A) The Commission must carry out programmes of education to promote awareness among children aged 13 years and over of current electoral systems in the United Kingdom and any pending such systems.
(1B) Programmes under subsection (1A) must include—
(a) information to enable children to register and vote as soon as they become eligible to do so;
(b) media literacy, as set out in section 11(1) of the Communications Act 2003 (duties to promote media literacy);
(c) the promotion of electoral confidence and participation among disadvantaged groups, including—
(i) girls and young women,
(ii) people from lower socio-economic backgrounds,
(iii) ethnic minority groups,
(iv) disabled people, and
(v) any other groups facing barriers to political and electoral participation identified by the Commission;
(d) such matters connected with any such existing or pending systems as the Commission may determine.
(1C) The Commission must carry out programmes of teacher training and continuing professional development for the purposes of providing programmes under subsection (1A).”
(3) For subsection (2) substitute—
“(2) For the purposes of subsections (1)(a) and (1A), a system is “pending” when arrangements for giving effect to it have been made by any enactment but the arrangements are not yet in force.””

This new clause would require the Electoral Commission to carry out education programmes for young people ahead of them being eligible to vote, and to train for educators on providing such information.

None 45

Clause 17, page 23, line 13, at end insert—
“(ba) the person is not an EU or Commonwealth citizen,”

This amendment retains individual voter registration for EU and Commonwealth electors.

Opposition Amendment 46

Clause 17, page 23, line 14, leave out “the person appears to the officer to be” and insert “the officer is satisfied the person is”

This amendment requires the officer to be satisfied that the person is of voting age.

Opposition Amendment 53

Clause 17, page 24, line 19, leave out “the person appears to the officer to be” and insert “the officer is satisfied the person is”

This amendment requires the officer to be satisfied that the person is of voting age.

Opposition Amendment 54

Clause 17, page 25, line 2, leave out “appear to the officer to be” and insert “are”

This amendment ensures that those added to the register are of voting age.

Opposition Amendment 55

Clause 17, page 25, leave out line 25 and insert—
“(b) the requirement to give the notice in writing;”

This amendment requires notices that a registration officer intends to register a person without having received an application to be sent in writing.

Opposition Amendment 56

Clause 17, page 26, line 17, leave out “for the time being”

This amendment seeks to clarify what happens to the records once an officer is no longer in charge of maintaining the record.

Opposition Amendment 57

Clause 17, page 26, line 36, leave out “5” and insert “6”

This amendment seeks to probe the rationale behind 5 years.

Opposition Amendment 71

After Clause 38, insert the following new Clause—
“Approval of proposals for compulsory voting under section (Compulsory voting)
Proposals for compulsory voting published under section (Compulsory voting) may only be agreed if—
(a) every member of the House of Commons has voted in a division, and
(b) every member of the House of Lords has voted in a division
approving the proposals.”

None 72

After Clause 38, insert the following new Clause—
“Registration of students and children attending boarding schools
(1) A person to whom this section applies may be registered as an elector only in respect of that person’s home address.
(2) This section applies to—
(a) a person undertaking a course of education at a university or other higher education institution who resides at a term-time address for the purposes of that course, and
(b) a child who resides at a boarding school for the purposes of receiving education.
(3) For the purposes of this section, “home address” means the address at which the person’s family home is situated and to which the person would ordinarily return during periods when the relevant educational institution is not in session.
(4) A term-time address, university address or boarding school address must not constitute a qualifying address for electoral registration by a person to whom this section applies, where that address is different from the person’s home address.
(5) The Secretary of State may by regulations made by statutory instrument make provision for the implementation of this section, including transitional arrangements and provision for exceptional circumstances.
(6) A statutory instrument containing regulations under this section is subject to annulment in pursuance of a resolution of either House of Parliament.”

None 73

After Clause 38, insert the following new Clause—
“Electoral registration of students and children attending boarding schools
After section 4 of RPA 1983 (entitlement to be registered as parliamentary or local government elector.) insert—
“4A Restriction on registration at educational addresses
(1) A person to whom this section applies may be registered in a register of parliamentary electors in respect of one address only, being that person’s qualifying home address.
(2) This section applies to—
(a) a person who is ordinarily resident at a university or other higher education institution, or at accommodation provided principally for students attending such an institution, for the purposes of undertaking a course of education, and
(b) a child who is ordinarily resident at a boarding school for the purposes of receiving education.
(3) A person to whom this section applies must not be registered in respect of an address at the institution, accommodation or boarding school referred to in subsection (2) if that address is different from the person’s qualifying home address.
(4) For the purposes of this section, “qualifying home address” means the address at which the person ordinarily resides when not required to reside at the educational institution or boarding school, having regard to the person’s actual living arrangements and circumstances.
(5) Where a person has no qualifying home address within the meaning of subsection (4), the registration of that person is to be determined in accordance with the otherwise applicable provisions of electoral law.
(6) An electoral registration officer must take reasonable steps to ensure that a person to whom this section applies is not registered in respect of an educational address contrary to this section.
(7) The Secretary of State may by regulations made by statutory instrument make provision for the implementation of this section, including transitional arrangements.
(8) A statutory instrument containing regulations under subsection (7) is subject to annulment in pursuance of a resolution of either House of Parliament.
(9) The Secretary of State must, within six months of the day on which the Representation of the People Act 2026 is passed, publish guidance for electoral registration officers on the operation of this section.””

This would limit students – at boarding school or university – to voting in the area of their home address. This also links to consideration of the impact of auto-enrolment on constituency sizes.

None 76

Clause 41, page 48, line 24, leave out “sixth” and insert “thirteenth”

This amendment and Lord Rennards’s new Clause after Clause 54 “Extension of timetable for local elections” seek to extend the electoral timetable from 25 days to 32 days for both Parliamentary and local elections.

None 80

After Clause 46, insert the following new Clause—
“Declaration of nationality
(1) This section applies to elections to the House of Commons, the Scottish Parliament, Senedd Cymru and the Northern Ireland Assembly, including nominations of candidates on registered political parties’ lists.
(2) A candidate’s consent to nomination must include a signed declaration—
(a) stating whether or not the candidate is a national or citizen of the United Kingdom,
(b) stating whether the candidate is a national or citizen of any other country, and
(c) if so, specifying every such country.
(3) Subsection (2) applies whether or not the candidate holds a passport issued by any country concerned.
(4) The appropriate returning officer must include in the statement of persons nominated, or the equivalent statement of parties and persons nominated, for each candidate standing nominated—
(a) a statement that the candidate has declared that they are, or are not, a national or citizen of the United Kingdom, as the case may be, and
(b) the countries specified under subsection (2)(c) or, where none is specified, a statement that the candidate has declared that they are not a national or citizen of any other country.
(5) The appropriate returning officer must reject a nomination if the consent to nomination does not include the declaration required by subsection (2) and, in the case of a party-list candidate, remove that candidate from the list without invalidating the nominations of the other candidates on it.
(6) Any enactment relating to the nomination of candidates, or the publication of statements of persons or parties nominated, at an election to which this section applies has effect subject to subsections (2) to (5).
(7) Subsections (1) to (6) apply only in relation to nominations made on or after the day on which those subsections come into force.
(8) In Part 2 of Schedule 5 to the Scotland Act 1998, in Section B3, in the entry headed “(B) Elections for membership of the Parliament and local government elections in Scotland”, at the end insert—
“Requirements for the declaration and publication of candidates’ nationalities in connection with nomination for election to the Parliament.”
(9) In Part 2 of Schedule 7A to the Government of Wales Act 2006, after paragraph 20 insert—
“20A Requirements for the declaration and publication of candidates’ nationalities in connection with nomination for election to the Senedd.””

This amendment would require candidates for the House of Commons and the three devolved legislatures to state expressly whether or not they are UK nationals or citizens and to declare all non-UK nationalities, including any dual or multiple nationality, as part of their consent to nomination.

Opposition Amendment 81

After Clause 46, insert the following new Clause—
“Declaration of intended outside interests by parliamentary candidates
In Schedule 1 to RPA 1983, after rule 6 insert—
“Declaration of intended outside interests
6ZA (1)A person is not validly nominated as a candidate unless, by the last time for delivery of nomination papers, there has been delivered to the returning officer of a declaration of intended outside interests made and signed by the candidate.
(2)The declaration must be in the prescribed form and must state either—
(a)that the candidate does not intend, if elected, to hold or continue to hold any outside interest, or
(b)that the candidate does intend, if elected, to hold or continue to hold one or more outside interests, in which case the declaration must give, for each such interest—
(i)its nature and, where applicable, the profession or occupation concerned,
(ii)the name of any employer, firm, company or other organisation concerned,
(iii)whether it is, or is expected to be, remunerated, and
(iv)the approximate time the candidate expects to devote to it, expressed in hours per week or per month.
(3)In this rule, “outside interest” means any employment, office, profession, vocation, directorship, partnership, consultancy or other occupation, whether paid or unpaid, other than—
(a)the office of member of the House of Commons, and
(b)such other offices or activities as may be prescribed by the Secretary of State in regulations.
(4)A declaration is a statement of the candidate’s intention at the time it is made and does not—
(a)prevent the candidate from later holding, continuing or ceasing to hold any interest, and
(b)affect the validity of the candidate’s election or any later disqualification.
(5)The returning officer must publish a copy of the statement and send a copy to the Electoral Commission.””

This new clause would require every candidate at a UK parliamentary election to declare, when nominated, whether they intend to hold or continue to hold any outside interest if elected, and to give details of each. The declarations would be published with the statement of persons nominated, so that electors can take them into account when voting.

None 101

After Clause 48, insert the following new Clause—
“Voter identification: parity with online age verification
(1) A document is not a specified document for the purposes of rule 37 of Schedule 1 to RPA 1983, or any corresponding provision applying to a relevant election, unless it is a government-issued identity document of a description which would satisfy the requirement made by regulations under section 214A of the Online Safety Act 2023 (power to require providers of internet services to prevent or restrict access by children to internet services).
(2) The Secretary of State may by regulations make such amendments to RPA 1983, and to any other enactment relating to a relevant election, as the Secretary of State considers necessary in consequence of subsection (1).
(3) Regulations under subsection (2) are to be made by statutory instrument and may not be made unless a draft has been laid before, and approved by a resolution of, each House of Parliament.
(4) In this section—
“government-issued identity document” means a document issued by or on behalf of the Government of the United Kingdom, a devolved administration or the government of another country or territory;
“relevant election” means a parliamentary election or a local government election in England.”

This probing amendment would mean that, if the regulations restricting under-16s’ access to social media require users to prove their age with government-issued ID, voters would have to meet the same standard at the polling station.

None 102

After Clause 48, insert the following new Clause—
“Appointment of polling and counting agents
In Schedule 1 to RPA 1983 (parliamentary elections rules), as it relates to Northern Ireland, omit rule 30(1)(a).”

Opposition Amendment 107

After Clause 49, insert the following new Clause—
“Absent voting: requirement for issuance of postal ballots
In regulation 71 of The Representation of the People (England and Wales) Regulations 2001 (S.I. 2001/341), at end insert “and no earlier than a date specified by the Electoral Commission.””

This amendment would further require postal votes to be issued by a date specified by the Electoral Commission in its guidance for general elections.

Opposition Amendment 132

After Clause 54, insert the following new Clause—
“Electoral Offences Criminal Investigation Unit
(1) The Director General of the National Crime Agency must establish and maintain within the Agency a unit known as the Electoral Offences Criminal Investigation Unit (“the Unit”).
(2) The functions of the Unit are the prevention, detection and investigation of crimes related to the conduct and procedures of elections by persons within Parliament and Whitehall.
(3) The Unit must be comprised of National Crime Agency officers and such other persons as the Director General considers appropriate.
(4) In this section—
“Parliament” means the House of Commons and the House of Lords;
“Whitehall” means the departments of the Government of the United Kingdom, executive agencies of departments and arms-length government bodies.”

This amendment requires the Director General of the National Crime Agency to establish a specialised unit dedicated to investigating crimes related to the conduct and procedures of elections by persons within Parliament and Whitehall.

None 133

After Clause 54, insert the following new Clause—
“Prohibition of use of schools as polling stations in parliamentary elections
After section 18B(5) of RPA 1983 (polling places at parliamentary elections) insert—
“(6) A relevant authority may not designate, use, or authorise the use of any school premises as a polling station for any parliamentary election or referendum.
(7) In this section, “school premises” includes—
(a) any school maintained by a local authority,
(b) an academy, free school, or independent school,
(c) any building or land used by a school for educational or extracurricular activities, and
(d) any institution within the further education sector (as defined in section 91 of the Further and Higher Education Act 1992).
(8) Subsection (6) does not apply to premises that are used exclusively for adult education or community learning and children of statutory school age do not use the premises.””

This new clause seeks to amend the Representation of the People Act 1983 to ban the use of schools, academies, free schools, and further education settings as polling stations in parliamentary elections, thereby ensuring that the delivery of education to children is not disrupted by elections.

None 134

After Clause 54, insert the following new Clause—
“Effective observation of postal vote opening and counting proceedings
(1) In rule 44 (attendance at counting of votes) of schedule 1 to the Representation of the People Act 1983 (parliamentary elections rules), after paragraph (4) insert—
“(4A) The returning officer must make such arrangements as are reasonably necessary to ensure that counting agents appointed under rule 30 are able effectively to observe and scrutinise—
(a) the opening of ballot boxes,
(b) the verification of ballot paper accounts,
(c) the sorting and counting of ballot papers,
(d) the adjudication of doubtful ballot papers, and
(e) any recount of votes.
(4B) Arrangements under sub-paragraph (4A) must include—
(a) providing counting agents with a clear and sufficiently close view of the relevant proceedings,
(b) ensuring that the layout of counting tables, barriers and other facilities does not unreasonably obstruct observation,
(c) providing a reasonable opportunity for counting agents to raise concerns about the conduct of proceedings with the returning officer or a person designated by the returning officer, and
(d) applying consistent and impartial arrangements to agents appointed on behalf of different candidates.
(4C) A returning officer may restrict access or observation under sub-paragraph (4A) only to the extent reasonably necessary to—
(a) preserve the secrecy of the ballot,
(b) protect the safety of persons present,
(c) prevent interference with or obstruction of the proceedings, or
(d) secure the orderly and efficient conduct of the count.
(4D) A restriction imposed under sub-paragraph (4C) must be proportionate and must not prevent effective observation where alternative arrangements can reasonably be made.
(4E) Where a returning officer materially restricts the ability of counting agents to observe proceedings, the returning officer must record the restriction and the reasons for it.”
(2) The Secretary of State must, within 12 months of the day on which this Act is passed, make regulations by statutory instrument securing equivalent standards of effective observation for persons appointed to attend the opening of postal votes at parliamentary elections.
(3) Regulations under subsection (3) must secure—
(a) effective observation of the receipt, opening and processing of returned postal voting documents, including the verification of postal voting statements,
(b) reasonable facilities for appointed postal voting agents to observe the relevant proceedings,
(c) consistent and impartial arrangements for access, and
(d) the preservation of ballot secrecy, including preventing any person from establishing a connection between an identifiable elector and the vote cast by that elector.
(4) Nothing in this section authorises any person to interfere with the administration of an election, to inspect a ballot contrary to the secrecy requirements applicable to postal vote opening, or to ascertain or disclose how an identifiable elector has voted.
(5) Regulations under this section may not be made unless a draft of the instrument has been laid before, and approved by a resolution of, each House of Parliament.”

None 135

After Clause 54, insert the following new Clause—
“Guidance to tackle fraud and family voting
(1) Within six months of the day on which this Act is passed, the Secretary of State must publish and lay before both Houses of Parliament guidance on how to tackle electoral fraud and family voting and ensure the secrecy of the ballot.
(2) Returning officers, electoral registration officers, presiding officers and the police must have regard to this guidance.”

This amendment requires the Secretary of State to publish guidance on tackling electoral fraud and family voting in the absence of a strategy and policy statement from the Electoral Commission.

None 136

After Clause 54, insert the following new Clause—
“Undue influence: spiritual injury and undue spiritual pressure
(1) The Representation of the People Act 1983 is amended as follows.
(2) In section 106 (false statements as to candidates), in subsection (1), after “personal character or conduct” insert “, including the candidate's religion or belief,”.
(3) In section 114A (undue influence), after subsection (4) insert—
“(4A) Without prejudice to the generality of subsection (4)(e), a person (“A”) is to be regarded as causing spiritual injury to, or placing undue spiritual pressure on, another person (“B”) if A, or another person acting on A's behalf or with A's encouragement—
(a) states, or otherwise clearly conveys, to B that voting or not voting, or voting for or against a particular candidate or registered party, is a sin or religious transgression,
(b) states, or otherwise clearly conveys, to B that B will suffer divine sanction or spiritual harm as a consequence of how B votes or whether B votes,
(c) states, or otherwise clearly conveys, to B that B, or a member of B's family, will be excluded from, or denied access to, a place of worship, religious community, religious rite or ceremony, or religious office, as a consequence of how B votes or whether B votes, or
(d) excludes B, or a member of B's family, from, or denies them access to, a place of worship, religious community, religious rite or ceremony, or religious office, because of how B voted or whether B voted.
(4B) A statement within subsection (4A)(a) to (c) may be made to B individually or to a congregation, group or community of which B is a member, whether or not B is individually identified.
(4C) In determining whether a person has caused spiritual injury to, or placed undue spiritual pressure on, another person, the court must have regard in particular to whether the person holds, or is presented as holding, a position of religious authority or leadership, and the extent to which the other person, or the persons to whom any statement was directed, may reasonably be expected to defer to that authority.
(4D) A person does not cause spiritual injury or place undue spiritual pressure on another person merely by—
(a) expressing a view on a matter of public policy, morality or religious teaching, including teaching about voting expressed in general terms and not directed at inducing an elector to vote, to vote in a particular way or to refrain from voting at a particular election,
(b) encouraging another person to vote, including by describing voting as a civic or religious duty, where that encouragement does not include anything falling within subsection (4A)(a) to (c), or
(c) stating support for or opposition to a candidate or registered party, where that statement does not include anything falling within subsection (4A)(a) to (c).”
(4) After section 114A insert—
“114B Undue influence in the vicinity of polling stations
(1) A person commits an offence if, on the day of the poll and within 150 metres of the entrance to a polling station, the person, with the intention of inducing or compelling an elector to vote, to vote in a particular way or to refrain from voting, directs at electors entering, approaching or leaving the polling station anything which, by virtue of section 114A(4A) to (4D), amounts to causing spiritual injury or placing undue spiritual pressure.
(2) A constable in uniform may direct a person whom the constable reasonably believes to be committing an offence under subsection (1) to leave that area for the remainder of the poll.
(3) Nothing in this section applies to anything said or done in the course of an act of religious worship, unless it is directed at electors entering, approaching or leaving the polling station.
(4) A person guilty of an offence under subsection (1) is liable on summary conviction to imprisonment for a term not exceeding six months, to a fine, or to both; and a person who without reasonable excuse fails to comply with a direction under subsection (2) is liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding level 3 on the standard scale.
114C Monitoring and guidance
(1) The chief officer of each police force in England and Wales and the Chief Constable of the Police Service of Northern Ireland must record each allegation of undue influence by spiritual injury or undue spiritual pressure, and each allegation of an offence under section 114B, received by the force, and must provide that information to the Electoral Commission at such times as the Commission may reasonably require.
(2) The Electoral Commission must, within six months after the day of the poll at each parliamentary general election, publish and lay before Parliament an assessment of those allegations, including, so far as the information is available to the Commission, the number of investigations and prosecutions and their outcomes.
(3) The Director of Public Prosecutions and the Director of Public Prosecutions for Northern Ireland must each issue guidance on the circumstances in which conduct amounts to undue influence by spiritual injury or undue spiritual pressure.””

This new clause would give statutory meaning to the existing offence of undue influence by spiritual injury or undue spiritual pressure, setting out the forms of religious coercion of voters it covers while protecting the expression of religious and political views. It would also protect voters from such pressure directed at them as they enter or leave polling stations, extend the false statements offence to a candidate's religion or belief, and require the offence to be monitored and supported by prosecution guidance.

None 137

After Clause 54, insert the following new Clause—
“Extension of timetable for local elections
In Schedule 2 to the Local Elections (Principal Areas) (England and Wales) Rules 2006 (S.I. 2006/3304), in the timetable in paragraph 1—
(a) in the entry relating to publication of notice of election, in column 2 for “twenty-fifth day” substitute “thirty-second day”;
(b) in the entry relating to delivery of nomination papers, in column 2 for “nineteenth day” substitute “twenty-sixth day”.”

This amendment and Lord Rennard’s amendment to Clause 41, page 48, line 24 seek to extend the electoral timetable from 25 days to 32 days for both Parliamentary and local elections.

None 138

After Clause 54, insert the following new Clause—
“Prohibition of use of schools as polling stations in local elections
After section 31(3) of RPA 1983 (polling districts and stations at local government elections) insert—
“(4) A relevant authority may not designate, use, or authorise the use of any school premises as a polling station for any local election or referendum.
(5) In this section, “school premises” includes—
(a) any school maintained by a local authority,
(b) an academy, free school, or independent school,
(c) any building or land used by a school for educational or extracurricular activities, and
(d) any institution within the further education sector (as defined in section 91 of the Further and Higher Education Act 1992).
(6) Subsection (4) does not apply to premises that are used exclusively for adult education or community learning and children of statutory school age do not use the premises.””

This new clause seeks to amend the Representation of the People Act 1983 to ban the use of schools, academies, free schools, and further education settings as polling stations in local elections, thereby ensuring that the delivery of education to children is not disrupted by elections.

Opposition Amendment 143

After Clause 59, insert the following new Clause—
“Limitation of election expenses: local government elections
After Section 76(2) to RPA 1983 (limitation of election expenses), insert—
“(2ZA) The Secretary of State may by regulations prescribe a limit on the expenditure that promotes a political party without referencing the local election area or candidate.””

This probing amendment intends to limit the amount of money that can be spent in local elections promoting a national party without reference to the local candidate or local area.

None 144

After Clause 59, insert the following new Clause—
“Review of how limits on campaign expenditure could apply on annual basis
(1) The Electoral Commission must conduct a review of how campaign expenditure limits could apply on an annual basis for political parties, candidates and third parties.
(2) The review must consider how annual campaign expenditure limits could—
(a) promote transparency and fairness in elections,
(b) limit the risk of foreign interference in elections, and
(c) be implemented in a proportionate manner without undue impact on political parties, candidates and third parties.
(3) In conducting the review, the Electoral Commission must consult the Speaker’s Committee on the Electoral Commission and the Ethics and Integrity Commission.
(4) The Electoral Commission must publish a report of its findings no later than six months after the day on which this Act is passed.
(5) The Secretary of State must, within six months of the publication of the report, lay before both Houses of Parliament a response to the report.
(6) The response to the report must contain proposals informed by the Electoral Commission’s report.”

This new clause would require the Electoral Commission to conduct a review of how campaign expenditure limits could apply on an annual basis for political parties, candidates and third parties, and for the Government to respond to the report and bring forward proposals based on the Electoral Commission’s findings.

Opposition Amendment 145

After Clause 59, insert the following new Clause—
“Qualifying campaign expenditure: staff costs and membership communications
(1) PPERA 2000 is amended as follows.
(2) In Schedule 8 (qualifying expenses), omit sub-paragraphs 2(1)(b) and 2(1)(d).
(3) In Schedule 13 (referendum expenses: qualifying expenses), omit sub-paragraph 2(b).”

This amendment seeks to remove staff costs and membership communications from the list of exclusions of campaign expenditure.

None 146

After Clause 59, insert the following new Clause—
“Limits on campaign expenditure
(1) PPERA 2000 is amended as follows.
(2) In paragraph 3 of Schedule 9 (limits on campaign expenditure: Parliamentary general elections)—
(a) in sub-paragraph (2)(a), for “£54,010” substitute “£37,600”;
(b) in sub-paragraph (3)(a), for “£1,458,440” substitute “£1,015,100”;
(c) in sub-paragraph (3)(b), for “£216,060” substitute “£150,390”;
(d) in sub-paragraph (3)(c), for “£108,030” substitute “£75,200”;
(e) in sub-paragraph (4), for “£54,010” substitute “£37,600”.
(3) In paragraph 2(1)(d) of Schedule 8 (campaign expenditure: qualifying expenses: exclusions), after “party” insert “other than those who are employed wholly or mainly for the purpose of an election campaign”.”

This amendment lowers the national campaign spending limits for political parties. It gives effect to previous recommendations from the Committee on Standards in Public Life (CSPL) to reduce the pre-2023 spending limits by 15%, and include campaign staff costs within their scope, as for third party campaigners and candidates.

None 153

After Clause 62, insert the following new Clause—
“Cap on donations
(1) After section 56 of PPERA (acceptance or return of donations: general) insert—
“56A Cap on donations
(1) A donation received by a registered party must not be accepted if the value of the donation is more than £1,000, either—
(a) on its own, or
(b) when combined with any other donation given by the donor to the registered party during the course of the calendar year in which the donation is made.
(2) Subsection (1) does not apply where the donation is given by a trade union.”
(2) In Schedule 2A to RPA 1983, after paragraph 6 insert—
“6A (1)A relevant donation received by a candidate or his or her election agent must not be accepted if the value of the donation is more than £1,000, either—
(a)on its own, or
(b)when combined with any other donation given by the donor to the candidate or his or her election agent during the course of the calendar year in which the donation is made.
(2)Sub-paragraph (1) does not apply where the donation is given by a trade union.””

This is a probing amendment to create an annual donation limit of £1,000 by any person or entity to any political party or candidate. Trade unions are exempted.

None 154

After Clause 62, insert the following new Clause—
“Cap on donations (No.2)
After section 56 of PPERA 2000 (acceptance or return of donations: general) insert—
“56A Cap on donations
(1) A registered party, recognised third party, regulated donee or permitted participant must not accept a donation or gift from an individual or company if the value of that donation exceeds £50,000.
(2) For the purposes of subsection (1), domestic and foreign donors are subject to the same cap on donations of £50,000.
(3) Where a donation is received which would cause the limit specified under subsection (1) to be exceeded, the amount by which the limit is exceeded is to be treated for the purposes of this Act as a donation received from a person who is not a permissible donor.””

This new clause seeks to introduce a cap on donations of £50,000, applicable to both domestic and foreign donors.

None 155

After Clause 62, insert the following new Clause—
“Annual cap on donations
After section 56 (acceptance or return of donations: general) of PPERA 2000 insert—
“56A Cap on donations
(1) Any amount given directly or indirectly to a registered party, candidate, recognised third party, regulated donee, permitted participant, or unincorporated association making political contributions that, individually or in aggregate with other donations or permissible gifts from that permissible donor in the same calendar year, exceeds the donations cap of £500,000 is to be treated as if it were an impermissible donation.
(2) Where subsection (1) applies, only the amount in excess of the donations cap is to be treated for the purposes of this Act as a donation received from a person who is not a permissible donor.
(3) “Donation” has the same meaning as in—
(a) sections 54 (permissible donors) and 95 (control of donations to recognised third parties) of this Act;
(b) the definition of “controlled donation” given in Schedule 7 to this Act (control of donations to individuals and members associations);
(c) any other Act or Order controlling donations to candidates standing at a relevant election.
(4) “Permissible gift” has the same meaning as in Schedule 19A (reports of gifts received by unincorporated associations making political contributions).
(5) This section does not apply to—
(a) payments out of public funds (see section 55(2));
(b) subscriptions paid by industrial and provident societies to a registered party;
(c) donations between registered parties;
(d) exempt trusts within the meaning given in section 162(2);
(e) bequests.
(6) The Secretary of State may by regulations provide for—
(a) requirements to make declarations and reports, and to create and keep records and receipts;
(b) anti-evasion provisions, including the aggregation of donations made by individuals connected to unincorporated associations and legal entities also making donations;
(c) the amendment, repeal or revocation of any enactment, including provisions within this Act and other electoral legislation, where the Secretary of State considers it necessary for the purposes of this section.
(7) A statutory instrument containing regulations under this section may not be made unless a draft of the instrument has been laid before and approved by a resolution of each House of Parliament.
(8) The amendments made by this section have effect in relation to a donation received by a registered party, candidate, recognised third party, regulated donee, permitted participant, or unincorporated association making political contributions on or after 25 March 2026 other than a donation which, before the commencement of this section, has been dealt with in accordance with section 56(2) of this Act.
(9) But in relation to a requirement to prepare a quarterly report under section 62 of this Act, the amendments have effect only in relation to a quarterly report required to be prepared for a period ending on or after the commencement of this section.
(10) The transitional provisions in Schedule 11 of the Representation of the People Act 2026 for donations from overseas voters shall apply in relation to United Kingdom donations covered by this section.””

This new clause would ensure an immediate annual donations cap of £500,000. It gives the Secretary of State the power to make provision via secondary legislation for measures that would help ensure the effective implementation of the cap.

None 158

Clause 63, page 86, line 28, at end insert—
“(da) whether the donation is associated with voting intention and campaigning polls, and”

None 159

Clause 63, page 86, line 28, at end insert—
(da) the source and origin of the funds with which the donation was made,
(db) any connections that the person from whom the donation is received has to high-risk jurisdictions and politically exposed persons,”

This amendment, and others in the name of Baroness Hodge, seek to strengthen know your donor risk assessments.

Opposition Amendment 160

Clause 63, page 86, line 28, at end insert—
“(da) the location of the donor, and”

This amendment is intended to implement a recommendation from paragraph 89 of the Rycroft Review that the risk factors for the enhanced “know your donor” checks for donations include “location”.

None 161

Clause 63, page 86, line 29, leave out “the party considers” and insert “a reasonable person would consider”

This amendment, and others in the name of Baroness Hodge, seek to strengthen know your donor risk assessments. It would require a party to take into account any other risk factor that a reasonable person rather than the party considers to be relevant when carrying out a risk assessment under section 54C.

None 163

Clause 63, page 86, leave out lines 30 to 35 and insert—
“(3) The Commission should as and when appropriate by regulations amend the risk factors set out in subsection (2).”

This amendment, and others in the name of Baroness Hodge, seek to strengthen know your donor risk assessments. This amendment seeks to allow the Electoral Commission, instead of the Secretary of State, to update the risk factors for risk assessments in relation to donations.

None 164

Clause 63, page 87, line 13, at end insert—
“(f) the definition of “high-risk jurisdictions” for the purposes of section 54C(2).”

This amendment, and others in the name of Baroness Hodge, seek to strengthen know your donor risk assessments. This amendment would require the Electoral Commission to produce guidance on the definition of a high-risk jurisdiction for the purpose of risk assessments.

Opposition Amendment 166

Clause 65, page 91, line 18, at end insert “and that in total no more than 49% of the shares or voting rights in the company are owned, directly or indirectly, by any combination of people who are not usually resident in the United Kingdom or by legal entities which are not registered under the Companies Act 2006”

This probing amendment seeks to close a potential loophole by ensuring that a number of people not usually resident in the UK could together control a company but pass Condition A.

None 168

Clause 65, page 95, leave out lines 12 to 35 and insert—
“(2) The amount of the person’s remaining available profits at the time of the donation’s receipt by the party is calculated as follows—
Step 1 Add together the person’s profit for each financial year within the relevant period to give “the step 1 total”.
Step 2 Divide the step 1 total by the number of relevant financial years to give “the step 2 total”.
Step 3 Then deduct from the step 2 total the value of each relevant benefit (if any) that has already accrued to the party from the person in the calendar year in which the donation is received.
(3) For the purposes of subsection (2), the amount of the person’s remaining available profits does not include any profits of any connected persons.
(3A) For the purposes of this section “connected persons” has the meaning given in section 1122 of the Corporation Tax Act 2010 (“connected” persons).”

This amendment would require the calculation of remaining available profits of a company or LLP to exclude any connected companies and be calculated on the average of the relevant financial years, meaning that companies are only able to donate their own profits.

None 171

Leave out Clause 65 and insert the following new Clause—
“Donations etc by companies and LLPs
In section 54(2) of PPERA 2000 (permissible donors), omit paragraphs (b) and (f).”

This amendment would prohibit the acceptance of corporate donations by registered political parties.

Baroness Bennett of Manor Castle gives notice of her intention to oppose the Question that Schedule 14 be the Fourteenth Schedule to the Bill.

This amendment removes Schedule 14 in connection with Baroness Bennett of Manor Castle’s amendment to replace Clause 62.

None 186

In subsection (2), after inserted sub-paragraph (3), insert—
(4)A declaration under sub-paragraph (1) must also state whether the person has received in the past or is currently in receipt of any income or gifts from—
(a)any international organisation whose members include two or more states or the governments of two or more states, or
(b)any institution, organ, office, agency or subsidiary body of an organisation mentioned in paragraph (a).”

This amendment would extend the declaration required of candidates to cover income or gifts from international organisations whose members include states or their governments, including the United Nations and the European Union, and from their institutions, organs, offices, agencies and subsidiary bodies.

None 204

After Clause 71, insert the following new Clause—
“Public funding of registered political parties
(1) The PPERA 2000 is amended as follows.
(2) After section 12 (policy development grants) insert—
“12A Public funding of registered political parties
(1) The Electoral Commission must establish and operate a scheme for the provision of public funding to registered political parties for the purposes of supporting democratic participation, strengthening grassroots political activity and reducing reliance on large private donations.
(2) The scheme must provide for grants to eligible registered political parties comprising—
(a) a basic grant to support the ordinary democratic functions of political parties,
(b) a grant allocated by reference to the number of votes received by the party at the most recent relevant election, and
(c) additional funding matching qualifying small donations received by the party, subject to limits prescribed by regulations.
(3) The scheme must provide that a registered political party is eligible for funding under subsection (2)(b) where it has received at least 5% of the votes cast in the relevant electoral area at the most recent relevant election.
(4) For the purposes of subsection (3)—
(a) where a proportional representation election has most recently taken place in the relevant electoral area, the votes received by the party at that election must be used to determine eligibility and calculate the grant,
(b) where no such election has taken place, the votes received by the party at the most recent general election for the House of Commons must be used, so far as those votes relate to the relevant electoral area, and
(c) where a party contests elections only in a particular part of the United Kingdom, the 5% threshold must be calculated by reference to votes cast in that area rather than across the United Kingdom as a whole.
(5) The scheme must provide for eligibility criteria and allocation arrangements which—
(a) are based on objective criteria which are published in advance,
(b) take account of electoral support as well as representation in the House of Commons,
(c) enable parties with significant electoral support but few or no elected representatives to qualify for funding, and
(d) do not unfairly disadvantage parties which contest elections in only part of the United Kingdom.
(6) The scheme must provide for—
(a) limits on the amount of public funding payable to any one party,
(b) conditions governing the use of grants,
(c) independent auditing of expenditure funded by grants,
(d) publication of the amounts paid to each party and reports on how the funding has been used, and
(e) recovery of funding which has been obtained improperly or used in breach of the conditions of the scheme.
(7) The Electoral Commission must consult registered political parties and other relevant persons before establishing or materially revising the scheme.
(8) The Secretary of State must, after consulting the Electoral Commission, make regulations setting out the detailed arrangements for the scheme, including—
(a) the total amount of funding available,
(b) the method for calculating and allocating grants,
(c) the limits and conditions applicable to matching small donations, and
(d) arrangements for reviewing and updating the scheme.
(9) The Electoral Commission must review the operation of the scheme at least once every five years and lay a report of its findings before Parliament.
(10) In this section, “registered political party” means a party registered under Part II of this Act.”
(3) In section 156 (orders and regulations), before subsection (4)(b) insert—
“(aa) section 12A,”
(4) The Secretary of State must lay before Parliament, within six months of the day on which this Act is passed, draft regulations establishing the scheme provided for by section 12A of the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000 (as inserted by subsection (2)).”

This amendment would establish a system of public funding for political parties, allocated through a combination of basic grants, electoral support and matched small donations. It would introduce a 5% electoral threshold, with provision for parties contesting elections in only part of the United Kingdom, and provide for transparent and accountable administration of public funding.

None 205

After Clause 71, insert the following new Clause—
“Declaration on registration of parties with assets greater than £250,000
(1) PPERA 2000 is amended as follows.
(2) In section 28 (registration of parties), after subsection (3D) insert—
“(3DA) If the total value of a party’s assets is greater than £250,000, the party may not make an application under this section before submitting a declaration to the Electoral Commission to prove that all funds were received by permissible donors.”
(3) In Schedule 4 (applications under Part II)—
(a) after paragraph 5(2) (party organisation) insert—
(3)An application must be accompanied by a declaration containing the details of all bank accounts used by the central party and, where relevant, its accounting units for managing all income and expenditure of the party.
(4)The Secretary of State may by regulations set out the information required in a declaration under sub-paragraph (3) following a recommendation by the Electoral Commission.”;
(b) in paragraph 6 (additional information), at end insert—
(2)Where the total value of a party’s assets is greater than £250,000, an application must include a declaration that all funds were received from permissible donors.
(3)The Commission must prescribe by regulations the information to be contained in a declaration made under sub-paragraph (2).”
(4) In section 156 (order and regulations), after subsection (4)(h) insert—
“(hza) paragraph 5(4) and 6(3) of Schedule 4,””

This new clause seeks to require a new political party to declare the source of funds to the Electoral Commission if it has assets of more than £250,000 at the time of registration, and to provide the Commission with details of the bank accounts used.

None 206

After Clause 71, insert the following new Clause—
“Impermissible donations and donors
(1) PPERA 2000 is amended in accordance with subsections (2) to (6).
(2) After section 54(2) (permissible donors) insert—
“(2A) A person who would otherwise fall under subsection (2) is not a permissible donor if their donation derives directly or indirectly from money or other benefit provided by a person who is resident outside the United Kingdom and not registered in an electoral register, and which was provided with a view to the making of the donation.”
(3) After section 54 (permissible donors) insert—
“54ZA Impermissible donations: criminal property and proceeds of crime
A donation received by a registered party or regulated donee, must not be accepted by that recipient if—
(a) without prejudice to Part 7 of the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 (“the 2002 Act”), the party or regulated donee knows or ought reasonably to have known that the donation constitutes “criminal property” within the meaning of section 340 of the 2002 Act (interpretation), or
(b) the donation derives from money or other benefit where there is a reasonable suspicion that it comes from the proceeds of crime.”
(4) After section 54A (declaration as to source of donation) insert—
“54AA Declaration as to source of a donation or loan: criminal property and proceeds of crime
(1) Where a person (“P”) causes an amount to be received by a registered party by way of a donation, a written declaration must be given to the party—
(a) by P, if P is an individual, or
(b) if not, by an individual authorised by P to make the declaration,
stating that the donation or loan, to the best of the individual’s knowledge and belief, meets the criteria set out in subsection (2).
(2) The criteria in this subsection are—
(a) that the donation does not constitute “criminal property” within the meaning of section 340 of the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 (interpretation), and
(b) that the donation does not directly or indirectly derive from money or other benefit provided by a person who is resident outside the United Kingdom and not registered in an electoral register, and was provided with a view to the making of the donation.
(3) A declaration under this section must also state the full name and address of the person by whom it is made and, where subsection (1)(b) applies—
(a) state that the person is authorised by P to make the declaration;
(b) describe the person's role or position in relation to P.
(4) A person who knowingly or recklessly makes a false declaration under this section commits an offence subject to the same sanction as an offence under section 54A.”
(5) After section 56(1) (acceptance of donations) insert—
“(1A) The duty in subsection (1) includes a duty to take all reasonable steps to verify that—
(a) the donation does not derive directly or indirectly from money or other benefit provided by a person who is resident outside the United Kingdom and not registered in an electoral register, and was provided with a view to the making of the donation or loan, and
(b) without prejudice to Part 7 of the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 (“the 2002 Act”), the donation does not constitute “criminal property” within the meaning of section 340 of the 2002 Act (interpretation).
(1B) The Secretary of State may, after consultation with the Electoral Commission, make regulations providing what the duty in subsection (1), to take all reasonable steps, requires.
(1C) Any regulations made under subsection (1B) may contain such incidental, supplemental, consequential and transitional provision as the Secretary of State considers appropriate and may make different provision for different cases.”
(6) In section 156 (orders and regulations), after subsection (4)(b) insert—
“(ba) section 56,”
(7) In Schedule 2A to the Representation of the People Act 1983 (control of donations to candidates), after sub-paragraph 6(1)(b) insert—
“(c) without prejudice to Part 7 of the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 (“the 2002 Act”), the candidate or his election agent knows, or ought reasonably to have known that the donation constitutes “criminal property” within the meaning of section 340 of the 2002 Act (interpretation); or
(d) the donation derives directly or indirectly from money or other benefit provided by a person who is resident outside the United Kingdom, and not registered in an electoral register, and which was provided with a view to the making of the donation.””

This new clause seeks to prevent donations to parties and candidates where the donation derives from the proceeds of crime or is provided by a person who is not resident in the UK and is not registered on the electoral register, and creates related declarations and verification requirements.

None 207

After Clause 71, insert the following new Clause—
“Acceptance of regulated transactions
(1) PPERA 2000 is amended as follows.
(2) After section 71G (valuation of regulated transactions) insert—
“71GZA Conditions for being a party to a regulated transaction
(1) A registered political party or other regulated donee must not be party to a regulated transaction if—
(a) without prejudice to Part 7 of the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 (“the 2002 Act”), the party or regulated donee knows or ought reasonably to have known that the financing of the regulated transaction is through the use of “criminal property” within the meaning of section 340 of the 2002 Act (interpretation),
(b) the financing of the regulated transaction derives from money or other benefit where there is a reasonable suspicion that it comes from the proceeds of crime, or
(c) the financing of the regulated transaction does not directly or indirectly derive from money or other benefit provided by a person who is resident outside the United Kingdom and not registered in an electoral register, and was provided with a view to providing finance for the transaction.”
(3) After section 71HZB (inserted by paragraph 10 of Schedule 13 to this Act) insert—
“71HZC Declaration regarding the source of finance for regulated transactions
(1) A registered party or regulated donee must not be party to a regulated transaction unless they have received a written declaration from the other party to the transaction where that party is an individual stating that to the best of the individual’s knowledge and belief, that the transaction meets the criteria set out in subsection (2).
(2) The criteria in this subsection are—
(a) that the financing of the regulated transaction does not directly or indirectly derive from money or other benefit that constitutes “criminal property” within the meaning of section 340 of the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 (interpretation), and
(b) that the donation does not directly or indirectly derive from money or other benefit provided by a person who is resident outside the United Kingdom and not registered in an electoral register, and was provided with a view to the making of the donation.
(3) A declaration under this section must also state the full name and address of the person by whom it is made.
(4) A person who knowingly or recklessly makes a false declaration under this section commits an offence subject to the same sanction as an offence under section 54A.””

This new clause seeks to prevent loans being provided to registered parties and regulated donees where the financing of the transaction derives from the proceeds of crime or is provided by a person who is not resident in the UK and is not registered on the electoral register, and creates related declarations.

None 208

After Clause 71, insert the following new Clause—
“Penalties for offences concerned with evasion of restriction on donations
In Schedule 20 of PPERA 2000 (penalties)—
(a) in the row that begins “Section 61(1)”, for “1 year” substitute “10 years”;
(b) in the row that begins “Section 61(2)(a)” for “1 year” substitute “10 years”;
(c) in the row that begins “section 61(2)(b)” for “1 year” substitute “10 years”.”

This amendment seeks to increase the penalties for offences concerned with evasion of restriction on donations to 10 years, the same as for bribery.

None 209

After Clause 71, insert the following new Clause—
“Review of framework for preventing donations by impermissible donors
(1) Within six months of the day this Act is passed, and every six-month period thereafter, the Secretary of State must conduct a review of the effectiveness of the framework for preventing donations by impermissible donors.
(2) If the review under subsection (1) identifies parts of the framework that are ineffective in preventing donations by impermissible donors, the Secretary of State may make regulations for the purpose of updating the framework.
(3) Regulations under this section are to be made by statutory instrument.
(4) A statutory instrument containing regulations under this Act may not be made unless a draft of the instrument has been laid before and approved by a resolution of each House of Parliament.”

None 210

After Clause 71, insert the following new Clause—
“Offences concerned with evasion of restrictions on donations
(1) PPERA 2000 is amended as follows.
(2) In Section 61 (offences concerned with evasion of restrictions on donations)—
(a) in subsection (1)—
(i) in paragraph (a), after “knowingly” insert “or recklessly”;
(ii) in paragraph (b), after “knowingly” insert “or recklessly”;
(b) In subsection 2(a), after “knowingly” insert “or recklessly”.
(3) Section 71L(9) (offences relating to regulated transactions)—
(a) in paragraph (a), after “knowingly” insert “or recklessly”;
(b) in paragraph (b), after “knowingly” insert “or recklessly”.
(4) In paragraph 17(4) of Schedule 7, after “knowingly” insert “or recklessly”.
(5) In paragraph 8(9) of schedule 7A—
(a) in sub-paragraph (a), after “knowingly” insert “or recklessly”;
(b) in sub-paragraph (b), after “knowingly” insert “or recklessly”.”

This amendment is intended to probe whether the standard of proof for offences concerned with evading restrictions on donations should be lowered to include those acting recklessly.

None 211

After Clause 71, insert the following new Clause—
“Review on the control of political donations
(1) The Secretary of State must within 12 months of the day on which this Act is passed review whether, and to what extent, the provisions under Part 4 of this Act have caused, or are likely to cause—
(a) money,
(b) property, or
(c) services
that would otherwise have been given to or used by regulated persons to be directed instead to, or through, relevant bodies and the risks of non-compliance with, or evasion of, electoral law that arise as a result.
(2) In particular the review must consider—
(a) the nature, scale and trends of funding received by relevant bodies from persons who are, or have been, donors to regulated persons, including funding from persons who would not be permissible donors under section 54 of PPERA 2000,
(b) the extent to which relevant bodies are funded, directly or indirectly, from outside the United Kingdom, and the adequacy of existing means of identifying the original source of such funding,
(c) arrangements between donors and regulated bodies which have the purpose or effect of conferring a benefit on a regulated person without the benefit being reported or controlled under the relevant provisions of this Act, including—
(i) the provision of research, polling, data analysis, focus-group work, campaign advice or staff on non-commercial terms;
(ii) payments by or on behalf of regulated persons to relevant bodies at above or below market value;
(iii) the splitting, layering or pooling of funds through intermediaries or successive transfers;
(iv) the sharing or pre-arranged transfer of research or polling commissioned by a relevant body,
(d) the extent to which—
(i) the cap on donations from overseas electors,
(ii) the limits on company donations
(iii) the moratorium on donations made using cryptoassets, and
(iv) the rules on unincorporated associations
are capable of being circumvented by funding relevant bodies instead,
(e) whether the definitions of “donation”, “regulated transaction”, “campaign expenditure” and “election purposes” in PPERA 2000 and this Act adequately capture the activities of relevant bodies,
(f) whether the Electoral Commission’s powers to obtain information, investigate and impose sanctions are sufficient to detect and address the arrangements in paragraph (c),
(g) whether regulated persons’ and relevant bodies’ record-keeping, due-diligence and reporting obligations under the relevant provisions of this Act are sufficiently clear for them to know when they apply,
(h) the interaction of the relevant provisions under this Act with the registration requirements of the Foreign Influence Registration Scheme under the National Security Act 2023, charity law, company law and the regulation of market research and polling,
(i) the administrative burden and other effects on lawful activity, including research, academic work and public debate, and
(j) options for reform, including whether any new or extended requirement for registration or disclosure of funding sources would be necessary and proportionate.
(3) The Secretary of State must consult—
(a) the Electoral Commission,
(b) the Charity Commission,
(c) the Scottish Ministers,
(d) the Welsh Ministers,
(e) Northern Ireland departments,
(f) registered parties and other regulated persons, and
(g) such other persons as the Secretary of State considers appropriate.
(4) The Secretary of State must lay a copy of the report before Parliament.
(5) In this section—
“relevant bodies” means any person, other than a regulated person acting as such, that carries out any of the following, in whole or in part—
(a) research, analysis, policy development or advocacy on matters of public policy or political controversy,
(b) opinion polling, market research, focus groups, data analytics or audience targeting, or
(c) any other activity which the Secretary of State considers capable of conferring a benefit on a regulated person or of influencing the outcome of an election or referendum;
“regulated person” means—
(a) a registered party,
(b) a regulated donee,
(c) a recognised third party, and
(d) and a candidate or election agent.”

This new Clause requires the Secretary of State to review whether the Bill’s tighter controls on donations may push funding towards bodies such as think tanks, pollsters and consultancies that fall outside the regulated regime.

None 212

After Clause 71, insert the following new Clause—
“Impermissible donations where donor’s income is not subject to UK tax liability
(1) PPERA 2000 is amended as follows—
(2) In section 54 (permissible donors)—
(a) after subsection (inserted by section 62(2)(a)(ii) of this Act), insert—
“(ac) the person by whom the donation is made, in the four tax years prior to the year in which the donation is made—
(i) is not a UK tax resident under the statutory residence test under Schedule 45 of the Finance Act 2013;
(ii) is deemed to be resident in another country under the terms of a double taxation agreement;
(iii) is claiming relief under the foreign income and gains regime on—
(A) income and gains arising from activity outside the UK, or
(B) UK income or gains deemed to be foreign under the qualifying asset holding company regime; or’’.”;
(b) after subsection (1) insert—
“(1) In this section “tax year” has the same meaning as in the section 4(3) of the Income Tax Act 2007.”
(3) After section 54B (declaration as to whether residence etc condition satisfied) insert—
“54BA Declaration as to tax residency
(1) Where a person makes a donation to a registered party, the person must provide the party with copy of a certificate or letter from His Majesty’s Revenue and Customs stating their tax residence status and relief claims under the foreign income and gains relief regime for the previous four years for the purpose of proving they are not an impermissible donor under section 54(1)(ac).
(2) The Secretary of State may by regulations make provision requiring a declaration under this section to be retained for a specified period.
(3) In this section “tax year” has the same meaning as in section 4(3) of the Income Tax Act 2007.””

This new clause would mean that donations cannot be accepted by parties if a donor is not a UK tax resident.

None 226

After Clause 73, insert the following new Clause—
“Translation of campaign materials
(1) During the relevant period campaign material which is promoted or published in a foreign language must be translated to a native language of the British Islands.
(2) A translation under subsection (1) must be approved to be accurate by the relevant election agent.
(3) A person is guilty of an offence if the person causes campaign material to be promoted or published and such material has not been translated to a native language as under subsection (1).
(4) For the purposes of this section—
“campaign material” means imprinted election campaign material published by political parties and candidates, whether in hard copy or digital format;
“foreign language” means a native language of any foreign country outside the British Islands, other than English;
“relevant period” means the period specified in section 90ZA of the RPA 1983.
(5) A person guilty of an offence under this section is liable—
(a) on summary conviction in England and Wales, to a fine;
(b) on summary conviction in Scotland or Northern Ireland to a fine not exceeding level 5 on the standard scale.
(6) It is a defence for a person charged with an offence under subsection (3) to prove—
(a) that the person took all reasonable steps, and exercised all due diligence, to ensure that the campaign material was not promoted or published contrary to subsection (1), and
(b) that the contravention arose from circumstances beyond the person’s control.”

This new clause would require election materials which are published in a foreign language by political parties and candidates to be translated into a native language of the British Islands.

None 227

After Clause 73, insert the following new Clause—
“Political advertising in general election periods
(1) The Communications Act 2003 is amended as follows.
(2) After section 368HD (lists of Tier 1 providers), insert—
“368HDA Political advertising on Tier 1 services during a parliamentary general election period
(1) The provider of a Tier 1 service must ensure that, during a parliamentary general election period, no advertisement to which subsection (2) applies is included in the service for viewing by members of the public in the United Kingdom.
(2) This subsection applies to an advertisement which is—
(a) inserted by or on behalf of a body whose objects are wholly or mainly of a political nature, or
(b) directed towards a political end.
(3) For the purposes of subsection (2), section 321(3) applies in determining whether objects are of a political nature or an advertisement is directed towards a political end.
(4) This section does not prohibit an advertisement of a public service nature inserted by or on behalf of a government department.
(5) In this section “parliamentary general election period” means the period beginning with the dissolution of Parliament for the purposes of a parliamentary general election and ending with the close of the poll at that election.
(6) OFCOM must prepare and publish guidance on compliance with this section, and must consult the Electoral Commission before publishing or materially revising that guidance.”
(3) In section 368HE (application etc of Chapter 2 to certain Tier 1 services), after subsection (2)(g) insert—
“(h) section 368HDA (political advertising on Tier 1 services during a parliamentary general election period).””

This amendment would prohibit Tier 1 services from airing political advertising during a Parliamentary general election period.

None 228

After Clause 73, insert the following new Clause—
“Electoral Commission: powers to obtain information outside of a formal investigation
After section 19 of the Elections Act 2022 (criminal proceedings), insert—
“Powers to obtain information outside of a formal investigation
19A Electoral Commission: powers to obtain information outside of a formal investigation
(1) The Secretary of State must, by regulations made by statutory instrument, make provision to allow the Electoral Commission to issue a notice requiring certain information from a regulated user-to-user service or search service, at any time during any regulated election period.
(2) Any regulations made under this section must specify that a person to whom a notice is given under this paragraph must comply with it within such reasonable time as is specified in the notice.
(3) Any regulations made under this section must specify the information which may be requested by the Electoral Commission, and include the following where they relate to elections—
(a) information relating to paid-for political advertising,
(b) algorithmic systems,
(c) coordinated inauthentic behaviour, and
(d) automated or bot accounts (whether domestic or foreign).
(4) Any regulations made under this section must also provide for any safeguards considered necessary by the Secretary of State as regards data protection or commercial confidentiality.
(5) A statutory instrument containing regulations under this section may not be made unless a draft of the instrument has been laid before, and approved by a resolution of, each House of Parliament.
(6) For the purposes of this section, “user-to-user service” has the meaning given by section 3 of the Online Safety Act 2023 (“user-to-user service” and “search service”).””

None 229

Schedule 17, page 251, line 17, leave out “the income and expenditure of”

This amendment, and others in the name of Baroness Hodge to Schedule 17, seek to remove the link to income and expenditure of the power of the Electoral Commission to obtain information.

None 230

Schedule 17, page 251, line 24, leave out “relates to that income and expenditure and”

This amendment, and others in the name of Baroness Hodge to Schedule 17, seek to remove the link to income and expenditure of the power of the Electoral Commission to obtain information.

None 231

Schedule 17, page 251, line 29, leave out “the organisation’s or individual’s own income and expenditure” and insert “that organisation or individual”

This amendment, and others in the name of Baroness Hodge to Schedule 17, seek to remove the link to income and expenditure of the power of the Electoral Commission to obtain information.

None 232

Schedule 17, page 252, leave out lines 6 and 7

This amendment, and others in the name of Baroness Hodge to Schedule 17, seek to remove the link to income and expenditure of the power of the Electoral Commission to obtain information.

None 233

Schedule 17, page 252, leave out lines 36 and 37

This amendment, and others in the name of Baroness Hodge to Schedule 17, seek to remove the link to income and expenditure of the power of the Electoral Commission to obtain information.

Opposition Amendment 237

After Clause 77, insert the following new Clause—
“Power to require information
In Schedule 19B of PPERA 2000 (investigatory powers of Commission) after paragraph 3 insert—
“Power to require information
3A (1)The Electoral Commission may, by notice in writing given to any person, require that person to provide the Commission with—
(a)specified information or information of a specified description, or
(b)specified documents or documents of a specified description.
(2)The information or documents must be provided before the end of such reasonable period as may be specified by the Electoral Commission.
(3)This paragraph only applies to information and documents reasonably required in connection with the exercise of the Commission’s functions.””

This amendment seeks to fulfil recommendation 10 of the Rycroft Review that the powers of the Electoral Commission should be extended to allow it to require information from any person or organisation who may hold relevant material that it reasonably requires for the purposes of carrying out its functions.

None 240

After Clause 79, insert the following new Clause—
“Policing of polling stations in high-risk areas
(1) Before each relevant poll, the Electoral Commission must identify the polling stations that it considers to be in areas facing a high risk of harassment or intimidation, at or outside the polling station, of electors, candidates, campaigners or electoral staff ("designated polling stations").
(2) In exercising the function in subsection (1) the Commission must—
(a) publish the criteria it applies, and review them at least once every two years,
(b) consult the National Police Chiefs' Council, the chief officer of police of the area of the designated polling station, and the relevant returning officers, and
(c) have regard to reports of harassment and intimidation at previous polls.
(3) The Commission must notify the chief officer of police and the returning officer for the area of the each designated polling station no later than 28 days before the day of the poll, but may designate further polling stations later if they receive new information about risk.
(4) The chief officer of police for a police area containing a designated polling station must ensure that at least one constable is present inside that polling station throughout the hours of polling.
(5) In discharging the duty in subsection (4)—
(a) the constable acts under the direction of the chief officer, but must co-operate with the presiding officer,
(b) the presiding officer retains responsibility for keeping order in the polling station,
(c) the constable must not be positioned so as to observe how any elector votes, and
(d) the chief officer may decide the number of constables and the manner of deployment, having regard to guidance under subsection (7).
(6) Nothing in this section limits the powers of a constable or the duties of a chief officer in relation to policing outside a polling station.
(7) The Commission must, after consulting the National Police Chiefs' Council and the College of Policing, issue guidance on the operation of this section, and chief officers must have regard to it.
(8) Within three months of a relevant poll, each chief officer subject to subsection (4) must report to the Commission on the deployments made and any incidents recorded.
(9) The Commission must produce a post-poll report containing a summary of the incidents reported under subsection (8).
(10) The Commission must arrange for payments to be made to police authorities towards the reasonable additional costs of complying with subsection (4).
(11) In this section “relevant poll” means a UK parliamentary general election, a by-election, and polls at which the Commission has functions.”

This new clause requires the Electoral Commission to identify areas at high risk of harassment and intimidation at polling stations, and requires the chief officer of police for those areas to ensure police are present inside the relevant polling stations during polling hours.

None 269

After Clause 84, insert the following new Clause—
“Voting rights in City of London Corporation elections
(1) The Secretary of State must, within 12 months of the day on which this Act is passed, make provision to abolish the business vote in elections to the Court of Common Council and the Court of Aldermen of the City of London Corporation, so that entitlement to vote in those elections is based on individual residence in the City of London and not on the occupation of premises by a business or other organisation.
(2) The Secretary of State must make regulations by statutory instrument under this section to provide that—
(a) a business or other organisation may not nominate or appoint a person to vote in an election by virtue of that person’s employment by, or association with, the business or organisation, and
(b) a person’s entitlement to vote in such an election must be determined by their individual eligibility under the applicable electoral law.
(3) Before making regulations under this section, the Secretary of State must consult the City of London Corporation, the Electoral Commission and other persons considered appropriate.
(4) A statutory instrument containing regulations under this section may not be made unless a draft of the instrument has been laid before, and approved by a resolution of, each House of Parliament.”

This new clause would end the system under which businesses and other organisations appoint voters in City of London Corporation elections, replacing it with an individual electoral franchise.

None 276

Clause 90, page 127, line 33, after “appoint,” insert “at least six months after the day on which this Act is passed,”

This amendment, and another in the name of Lord Hayward, seek to implement the Gould principle that changes to electoral law should not affect an election taking place within six months.

None 282

Clause 90, page 127, line 34, leave out “on” and insert “at least six months after”

This amendment, and another in the name of Lord Hayward, seek to implement the Gould principle that changes to electoral law should not affect an election taking place within six months.

None 113

Clause 50, page 63, line 7, at end insert—
“(g) those electors who may have voted more than once;
(h) those electors who may have registered or been registered to vote more than once.”

This amendment would allow the Secretary of State and the Electoral Commission to access information on electors who have voted or registered to vote multiple times in order to maintain the integrity of the election.

Government Amendment 12

Schedule 1, page 134, line 36, at end insert—
“Part 3
Canvass conducted in England before the coming into force of section 3
Introduction
20 (1)This Part of this Schedule applies in relation to an annual canvass conducted under section 9D of RPA 1983 in the implementation period by an English registration officer.
(2)The “implementation period” means the period beginning with the day on which this Act is passed and ending with the coming into force of section 3 of this Act.
(3)In this Part of this Schedule—
“English registration officer” means a registration officer appointed under section 8(2) of RPA 1983;
“pre-commencement canvass” means a canvass described in sub-paragraph (1);
“the RPR (E&W) 2001” means the Representation of the People (England and Wales) Regulations 2001 (S.I. 2001/341).
Modification of the purpose of a pre-commencement canvass
21 (1)In relation to a pre-commencement canvass conducted by an English registration officer, section 9D of RPA 1983 (duty to conduct canvass in Great Britain) has effect as follows.
(2)Subsection (2) has effect as if it provided that the purpose of the canvass included ascertaining the names, addresses and dates of birth of persons aged under 16 who will, as a result of section 4(4A) of RPA 1983 (inserted by section 3 of this Act), be entitled (on the coming into force of section 3 of this Act) to be registered in a register maintained by that officer.
(3)But the power to make house to house inquiries under subsection (5) of section 9D does not include power to make inquiries for the purpose of the matter described in sub-paragraph (2).
Youth detention accommodation: no duty to canvass
22 In relation to a pre-commencement canvass conducted by an English registration officer, nothing in section 9D of RPA 1983—
(a) applies in relation to the registration of persons in respect of residence in youth detention accommodation as defined in section 248(1) of the Sentencing Code;
(b) requires the officer to ascertain the names, addresses and dates of birth of persons resident in such accommodation.
Design of canvass communications and form
23 The Electoral Commission must design a version of the communications and form described in regulation 32ZBG(1)(a) of the RPR (E&W) 2001 (canvass communications and forms: Electoral Commission duties) for use in England in relation to a pre-commencement canvass.
24 For that purpose, regulation 32ZBG has effect as if—
(a) in paragraph (1) there were inserted after sub-paragraph (a)—
“(aa) send the communications and form to the Secretary of State before the end of the period of 14 days beginning with the day on which the Representation of the People Act 2026 is passed;”;
(b) paragraph (2) were omitted;
(c) for paragraph (4)(d)(iii) there were substituted—
“(iii) to provide the registration officer with the full name, date of birth and nationality of each person aged 14 or 15 who is residing at the address to which the communication relates;”;
(d) for paragraph (5)(f) there were substituted—
“(f) require the recipient to provide the full name, date of birth and nationality of each person aged 14 or 15 who is residing at the address to which the form is given.”;
(e) after paragraph (5) there were inserted—
“(6) The canvass communication B referred to in paragraph (1)(a)(iii) must require—
(a) the occupier, or
(b) if there is no occupier, or it is not reasonably practicable for the occupier to provide the required information, the person in charge of the premises,
to provide the full name, date of birth and nationality of each person aged 14 or 15 who is residing at the address to which the communication relates.”
Other modifications of RPR (E&W) 2001
25 The RPR (E&W) 2001 have effect in relation to a pre-commencement canvass with the modifications set out in paragraphs 26 to 29.
26 Regulation 32ZBA (annual canvass) has effect as if in paragraph (6), after “an address” there were inserted “, or that a person aged 14 or 15 may reside at an address,”.
27 Regulation 32ZBD (canvass where changes to register are likely to be required) has effect as if—
(a) in paragraph (4), for “to (9)” there were substituted “to (9ZA)”;
(b) after paragraph (9) there were inserted—
“(9ZA) A registration officer may not visit an address in order to speak to a person aged under 16.”;
(c) in paragraph (10)—
(i) in the definition of “canvass form” and “paper communication”, after “designed” there were inserted “for use in relation to a pre-commencement canvass”;
(ii) after the definition of “paper communication” there were inserted—
““pre-commencement canvass” has the meaning given by paragraph 20 of Schedule 1 to the Representation of the People Act 2026.”
28 Regulation 32ZBE (canvass where changes to register are unlikely to be required) has effect as if—
(a) in paragraph (4), at the end there were inserted
“; and
(c) provide to the registration officer the full name, date of birth and nationality of each person aged 14 or 15 who is residing at the address.”;
(b) after paragraph (7) there were inserted—
“(7A) If, after complying with the requirements of paragraphs (3) to (6), a registration officer—
(a) has reason to believe that a person aged 14 or 15 may reside at the address, and
(b) is not aware of that person’s full name, date of birth or nationality,
the officer must conduct the annual canvass in accordance with regulation 32ZBD in respect of the address.”;
(c) in paragraph (8), after “designed” there were inserted “for use in relation to a pre-commencement canvass”;
(d) after paragraph (8) there were inserted—
“(9) In this regulation, “pre-commencement canvass” has the meaning given by paragraph 20 of Schedule 1 to the Representation of the People Act 2026.”
29 Regulation 32ZBF (canvass in respect of particular types of property) has effect as if—
(a) in paragraph (4), for “paragraph (5) or” there were substituted “paragraphs (5) and (5ZA) or paragraph”;
(b) after paragraph (5) there were inserted—
“(5ZA) The registration officer must attempt to make contact with the responsible person and must request the full name, nationality and date of birth of each person aged 14 or 15 who is residing at that property.”;
(c) in paragraph (6)—
(i) for “paragraph (5) or” there were substituted “paragraphs (5) and (5ZA) or paragraph”;
(ii) after “appropriate” there were inserted “(subject to paragraph (6A))”;
(d) after paragraph (6) there were inserted—
“(6A) A registration officer may not visit the property in order to speak to a person aged under 16.”;
(e) in paragraph (7), for “paragraph (5) or” there were substituted “paragraphs (5) and (5ZA) or paragraph”;
(f) in paragraph (8), for “paragraph (5) or” there were substituted “paragraphs (5) and (5ZA) or paragraph”.
Retention of information
30 (1)Where an English registration officer obtains personal information relating to a person aged 14 or 15 when conducting a pre-commencement canvass, the officer may retain that information until the end of the specified day.
(2)The “specified day” is the earliest of—
(a)the last day of the period of 6 months beginning with the day on which section 3 of this Act is commenced,
(b)the day on which the registration officer receives from the person an application made under section 10ZC of RPA 1983 for registration in a register maintained by the officer, and
(c)the day on which the registration officer gives the person an invitation to apply for registration under section 9E(1) of RPA 1983.
(3)Nothing in this paragraph affects the ability of the registration officer to otherwise lawfully retain the information described in sub-paragraph (1) after the specified day.
(4)In this paragraph,
“personal information” means a person’s name, address, email address, telephone number, date of birth or nationality.”

This amendment would enable a registration officer carrying out a canvass in England before Clause 3 of the Bill (entitlement to be registered before reaching voting age) comes into force to obtain information about 14 and 15 year olds and to retain that information for use when inviting those persons to register once clause 3 is in force.

None 13

Clause 7, page 10, line 23, leave out subsection (4)

This amendment, and others in the name of Lord Hayward, seek to allow for a debate on the complexity of electoral law as affected by this Bill.

None 14

Clause 7, page 11, line 29, leave out subsection (5)

This amendment, and others in the name of Lord Hayward, seek to allow for a debate on electoral bureaucracy and administration.

None 15

Clause 8, page 12, line 29, leave out subsection (7)

This amendment, and others in the name of Lord Hayward, seek to allow for a debate on the complexity of electoral law affected by this Bill.

None 16

Clause 14, page 20, line 21, leave out subsection (2)

This amendment, and others in the name of Lord Hayward, seek to allow for a debate on the complexity of electoral law affected by this Act.

None 17

Clause 14, page 20, line 37, leave out subsection (6)

This amendment, and others in the name of Lord Hayward, seek to allow for a debate about electoral bureaucracy and administration.

None 130

After Clause 40, insert the following new Clause—
“Polling day report
(1) Returning officers must require presiding officers to submit a report when an election official or a police officer has had to intervene in the normal running of a relevant election at a polling station.
(2) An intervention under subsection (1) includes possible or attempted breaches of ballot secrecy and voter harassment.
(3) Under this section “relevant election” means a parliamentary or local government election.”

Government Amendment 274

Clause 89, page 126, line 26, at end insert—
“(ai) section (Payments by and to returning officers: repeal of proposed transfer of functions)(1)(b);”

This amendment is consequential on my amendment inserting a new clause (Payments by and to returning officers: repeal of proposed transfer of functions) after clause 40. It would provide for a repeal made by that clause to have the same geographic extent (England and Wales and Scotland) as the provision repealed.

Government Amendment 275

Clause 89, page 126, line 35, at end insert—
“(iv) paragraphs 23 to 29 of Schedule 1;”

This amendment is consequential on the amendment in my name inserting Part 3 into Schedule 1 to the Bill.

Government Amendment 295

Clause 90, page 128, line 15, at end insert—
“(ja) Part 3 of Schedule 1 (canvass conducted in England before the coming into force of section 3);”

This amendment would provide for the provisions in Part 3 of Schedule 1 to the Bill (inserted by the amendment in my name) to come into force on Royal Assent.

Government Amendment 296

Clause 90, page 128, line 23, at end insert—
“(l) sections 6 and 49 so far as they relate to the provisions of Schedules 1 and 3 mentioned in paragraphs (ja) and (k).”

This amendment would provide for the sections which introduce Schedules 1 and 3 to come into force on Royal Assent, in so far as they relate to the provisions of those Schedules which come into force on Royal Assent.

None 6

Clause 2, page 2, line 29, at end insert “or a secure children’s home”

This probing amendment seeks to clarify the scope of Clause 2 by excluding secure children’s homes from the definition of “youth detention accommodation” for the purposes of disenfranchisement.

None 39

After Clause 3, insert the following new Clause—
“Amendment to section 214A of the Online Safety Act 2023
In section 214A of the Online Safety Act 2023 (power to require providers of internet services to prevent or restrict access by children to internet services), at the end of subsection (2) insert
“, or
(b) in relation to access to internet services containing materials relevant to elections, means a child who is not registered to vote under section 3 of the Representation of the People Act 2026.””

This amendment seeks to enable young people who have registered to vote to access digital information on social media and other platforms to better inform their voting decisions and to learn how an election operates.

None 18

Clause 15, page 21, line 15, at end insert—
“(2A) A local authority in England, Wales or Scotland must ensure that information given to relevant young people relating to registering to vote in an election is neutral or politically balanced and not designed to favour one outcome or party over another.”

This amendment is intended to ensure that all sides of the argument are presented to relevant young people under clause 15 regardless of the local authority's political control.

None 19

Clause 16, page 22, line 26, at end insert—
(1A) A Health and Social Care trust must ensure that information given to relevant young people relating to registering to vote in an election is neutral or politically balanced and not designed to favour one outcome or party over another.”

This amendment is intended to ensure that Health and Social Care trusts in Northern Ireland present all sides of the argument to relevant young people when providing information about registering to vote.

None 38

After Clause 16, insert the following new Clause—
“Hustings in education establishments
If it is considered expedient by a learning establishment which is attended by voters aged 18 or under to invite candidates in an election to address the learners in a hustings, all the candidates, or representatives of those candidates, in that election must be given reasonable notice to attend the husting.”

This amendment seeks to ensure hustings held in schools are politically impartial.

None 40

After Clause 16, insert the following new Clause—
“Review of cost of duties to raise awareness and provide assistance
Within 12 months of the day on which this Act is passed, the Secretary of State must publish a report on the costs to local authorities of the duties in sections 15 and 16 (duties to raise awareness and provide assistance).”

This amendment seeks to probe the estimates in the impact assessment of the Bill of the national costs of its provisions..

None 41

After Clause 16, insert the following new Clause—
“Enfranchisement of certain foreign nationals at parliamentary elections
In section 1(1)(c) of the Representation of the People Act 1983 (entitlement to vote in parliamentary elections), after “Ireland” insert “or a foreign national who has—
(i) the right of abode in the United Kingdom,
(ii) settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme,
(iii) indefinite leave to enter the United Kingdom, or
(iv) indefinite leave to remain in the United Kingdom;”.”

This new clause expands the right to vote in General Elections to residents of the UK who have the right to abode in the UK or leave to enter or remain for an indefinite period.

None 42

After Clause 16, insert the following new Clause—
“Enfranchisement of certain foreign nationals at local government elections in England
In section (2)(1)(c) of the Representation of the People Act 1983 (local government electors), after “Ireland” insert “, a qualifying foreign citizen;””

This new clause expands the right to vote in local government elections in England to extend to foreign citizens with a right to enter or remain in the UK.

None 131

After Clause 54, insert the following new Clause—
“Political party polling station passes
(1) The Electoral Commission must by regulations made by statutory instrument provide for a scheme for the issuance of polling station passes by the relevant local authority to contesting political parties.
(2) The scheme under subsection (1) only applies to polling stations that the Electoral Commission has designated as stations with a high risk of voter harassment outside the station by tellers.
(3) A contesting political party may apply for a polling station pass for each designated polling station that they intend to send tellers to.
(4) One polling station pass may be issued per contesting political party in respect of a designated polling station.
(5) A polling station pass allows one teller from a contesting political party at a time to be present outside of the polling station on the day of an election at that polling station, with the exception of the provision in subsection (6).
(6) A polling station pass may be transferred between tellers of the same political party on the day of an election.
(7) A statutory instrument containing regulations under subsection (1) may not be made unless a draft of the instrument has been laid before, and approved by a resolution of, each House of Parliament.
(8) In this section “contesting political party” means those parties and individuals whose nominations have been accepted at an election.”

This amendment seeks to introduce a scheme where a political party may have one teller only outside a polling station. It seeks to prevent voter harassment outside of a polling station.

None 141

After Clause 55 insert the following new Clause—
“Election agents: disability-related spending
Paragraph 7A of Schedule 4A to RPA 1983 (candidate’s disability) is amended as follows—
(a) in sub-paragraph (1) after “candidate’s” insert “or their election agent’s”;
(b) in sub-paragraph (2)(a) after “Scotland” insert “or their election agent”;
(c) in sub-paragraph (2)(b) after “Northern Ireland” insert “or their election agent”.”

Reasonable expenses in relation to a candidate’s disability is currently excluded from election expenses. This amendment extends this exclusion to include disability-related costs incurred by election agents.

None 175

After Clause 65, insert the following new Clause—
“Donations by trade unions to political parties: annual report requirement
After section 54 (permissible donors) of PPERA 2000 insert—
“54ZA Donations by trade unions: annual report requirement
(1) This section applies to a donation by a trade union to a registered party to which this Part applies.
(2) A trade union is to be treated as not being a permissible donor in relation to a donation to which this section applies, unless details of that donation are included in an annual report by the trade union for the year in which the donation was made.
(3) Details of a donation that must be included in an annual report are—
(a) the donation amount, and
(b) the donation recipient.””

None 176

After Clause 65, insert the following new Clause—
“Donations by trade unions to candidates: annual report requirement
After section 54 (permissible donors) of PPERA 2000 insert—
“54ZA Donations by trade unions to candidates: annual report requirement
(1) This section applies to a donation by a trade union to a registered candidate to which this Part applies.
(2) The trade union is to be treated as not being a permissible donor in relation to a donation to which this section applies, unless details of that donation are included in an annual report by the trade union for the year in which the donation was made.
(3) Details of a donation that must be included in an annual report are—
(a) the donation amount, and
(b) the donation recipient.””

None 224

After Clause 73, insert the following new Clause—
“Information to be included with electronic material: data provenance
After section 41 (requirement to include information with electronic material) of the Elections Act 2022 insert—
“41A Requirement to include information with electronic material created through generative artificial intelligence
(1) This section applies to electronic material which—
(a) meets the conditions in section 42 (paid for electronic material), or
(b) meets the conditions in section 44 (other electronic material), and has been generated wholly through generative artificial intelligence.
(2) Electronic material to which this section applies must not be published unless it includes the following information—
(a) a statement that content was wholly generated by a generative artificial intelligence system;
(b) the name of the system used to generate the content.
(3) The Secretary of State may, by regulations made by statutory instrument, specify—
(a) additional requirements for information to be required under subsection (2);
(b) the form in which the information required under subsection (2) is to be provided.
(4) The form prescribed by regulations under subsection (3)(b) must be a form which can be detected and processed by regulated user-to-user services for the purpose of providing the required information to users of such services.
(5) A statutory instrument containing regulations under this section may not be made unless a draft of the instrument has been laid before, and approved by a resolution of, each House of Parliament.
(6) For the purposes of this section, “generative artificial intelligence” means computer system or software that—
(a) is capable of producing text, images, audio, video, or other content autonomously, wholly or substantially, based on prompts or instructions provided by a user,
(b) uses machine learning or other algorithmic techniques to generate content that mimics human-created material, and
(c) may produce content that is not pre-existing but is synthesised based on patterns learned from existing data.””

This new clause requires campaign material which has been generated by generative artificial intelligence to include a statement to that effect along with the name of the system used. It creates a power for the Government to make regulations about the information to be included.

None 239

After Clause 79, insert the following new Clause—
“Electoral Commission approval of election policing plans
(1) This section applies when the Electoral Commission assesses that an upcoming relevant election has a high risk, in an individual constituency, ward or area, of—
(a) hostility towards candidates;
(b) voter harassment.
(2) In an election to which subsection (1) applies, The Electoral Commission must ask the local police force to produce an election policing plan which must include details of an agreed designated area around a polling station for the purpose of preventing the harassment of voters outside polling stations.
(3) The Electoral Commission must review and approve an election policing plan produced by the local police force under subsection (2).
(4) In this section “relevant election” means a parliamentary or local government election.”

None 263

After Clause 84, insert the following new Clause—
“Extended incapacities following corrupt or illegal practices
(1) RPA 1983 is amended as follows.
(2) In section 160 (persons reported personally guilty of corrupt or illegal practices), in subsection (5)—
(a) in paragraph (a) (corrupt practice), for “five years” substitute “ten years”;
(b) in paragraph (b) (illegal practice), for “three years” substitute “ten years”.
(3) In section 165 (avoidance of election for employing corrupt agent), after subsection (3) insert—
“(3A) A person commits an offence if they engage a person under subsection (1) who is incapable of acting as an agent by virtue of this section.
(3B) A person guilty of an offence under subsection (3) is liable to a fine not exceeding Level 3 on the standard scale.”
(4) In section 173 (incapacities on conviction of corrupt or illegal practice)—
(a) after subsection (1)(a)(iii), insert—
“(iv) being a candidate at any parliamentary or local government election, or
(v) acting as an election agent or sub-agent for any candidate at any such election; and”;
(b) in subsection (3) (relevant period)—
(i) in paragraph (a) (corrupt practice), for “five years” substitute “ten years”;
(ii) in paragraph (b) (illegal practice), for “three years” substitute “ten years”.
(5) In section 173A (incapacity to hold public or judicial office in Scotland), in subsection (1)(a), for “five years” substitute “ten years”.
(6) The amendments made by this section apply only in relation to a person convicted, or reported by an election court as personally guilty, on or after the day on which this section comes into force.
(7) Nothing in this section affects the operation of section 174 of RPA 1983 (mitigation and remission etc).”

This new clause would double the period during which a person convicted of a corrupt practice or illegal practice, or reported personally guilty by an election court, is barred from standing as a candidate or acting as an agent, from five years to ten.

None 264

After Clause 84, insert the following new Clause—
“Reduction of age of candidacy for parliamentary elections
(1) Section 17 of the Electoral Administration Act 2006 (minimum age) is amended as follows.
(2) In subsection (1), for “18” substitute “17”.
(3) After subsection (8) insert—
“(9) The provisions of this section must apply to any parliamentary general election or parliamentary by-election held after the day on which the Representation of the People Act 2026 is passed.””

This is a probing amendment seeking to change the minimum age to stand as a candidate in a UK parliamentary election, lowering the minimum age requirement from 18 to 17 years old.

None 265

After Clause 84, insert the following new Clause—
“Guidance on the law relating to digital communication offences in relation to elections
(1) The Secretary of State must, within six months of the day on which this Act is passed, publish and lay before both Houses of Parliament guidance on certain digital communication offences, including offences involving digital manipulation and artificially generated content in relation to candidates and elected officials.
(2) Any guidance issued under section (1) must include guidance on the following—
(a) the operation of section 106 (false statements as to candidates) of the RPA 1983 in relation to digital communications;
(b) the operation of section 114A (undue influence) of the RPA 1983 in relation to digital communications;
(c) the interaction between the operations of sections 106 and 114A of the RPA 1983 and the duty of providers under the Online Safety Act 2023, including in relation to priority offences during election periods.
(3) Within 12 months of the publication of guidance under subsection (1) and annually thereafter, the Secretary of State must publish and lay before Parliament either—
(a) a statement that no updates to the guidance are required, or
(b) an updated version of the guidance.
(4) Before issuing—
(a) any guidance under subsection (1) or subsection (3)(b), or
(b) a statement under subsection (3)(a),
the Secretary of State must consult Ofcom and such other persons as they think necessary.
(5) For the purposes of this section “priority offences” means an offence listed in Schedule 7 (priority offences) of the Online Safety Act 2023.”

This new clause would require the Government to publish guidance on the operation of certain offences relating to digital communications as they relate to candidates and elected officials.

None 266

After Clause 84, insert the following new Clause—
“Report on electoral online harms
(1) Within six months of the day on which this Act is passed, the Electoral Commission must publish a report on the prevention of electoral online harms.
(2) For the purposes of this section, “electoral online harms” includes—
(a) abuse and harassment of or threats directed towards elected representatives, candidates, party campaigners and election officials, or
(b) incitement to violence against any such individuals,
but does not include mockery or insult, save where it forms part of a campaign of harassment.
(3) Any report published under subsection (1) must contain—
(a) an assessment of the risks of electoral online harms, and
(b) proposals to put in place systems to mitigate those risks including through amendment of the Online Safety Act 2023.
(4) Before publishing its report under subsection (1) the Electoral Commission must consult—
(a) Ofcom, and
(b) the National Police Chiefs Council.”

This new clause would require the Electoral Commission to publish a report containing an assessment of the risks of online electoral harms, and proposals to put in place systems to mitigate those risks.

None 267

After Clause 84, insert the following new Clause—
“Government review of the “regulated periods” in relation to elections
(1) The Secretary of State must, within 12 months of the day on which this Act is passed, commission a review of the adequacy of the current regulated periods for elections and referendums.
(2) The review must consider the following—
(a) the impact of campaign activity outside the relevant regulated period on elections;
(b) whether the length of the regulated periods are sufficient to tackle the prevalence of—
(i) manipulated content,
(ii) misinformation, and
(iii) disinformation,
and their potential influence on elections.
(3) The review may make any recommendations it feels necessary for legislative or regulatory reform as a result of its findings.
(4) For the purposes of this section, “campaign activity” includes—
(a) digital campaigning,
(b) targeted advertising, and
(c) automated content distribution.
(5) For the purposes of this section “regulated period” means any period regulated under the Representation of the People Act 1983.
(6) The Secretary of State must lay a report of the review before both Houses of Parliament, together with their response to any recommendations for legislative or regulatory reform.”

This new clause requires the government to establish a review of the “regulated periods” in relation to elections which would consider whether the length of the regulated periods are sufficient in relation to the prevalence of manipulated content, misinformation and disinformation.

None 268

After Clause 84, insert the following new Clause—
“Critical election incident protocol
(1) The Secretary of State must, within 12 months of the day on which this Act is passed, publish and lay before both Houses of Parliament, a Critical Election Incident Protocol (“the Protocol”) for the purpose of responding to incidents that present a significant risk to the integrity, security or public confidence of elections.
(2) For the purposes of this section, a “Critical Election Incident” means any event, threat or activity that poses a substantial risk to—
(a) the integrity, security or administration of an election,
(b) the ability of the public to freely participate in the electoral process, or
(c) public confidence in the fairness or legitimacy of an election.
(3) Before publishing the Protocol, the Secretary must consult the following on its contents—
(a) relevant civil society organisations,
(b) relevant experts, and
(c) relevant regulators.
(4) Any Protocol published under subsection (1) must include—
(a) the establishment of an oversight body comprised of such senior ministers and officials as the Secretary of State considers appropriate,
(b) the establishment of an advisory body of civil society and experts with relevant expertise as the Secretary of State considers appropriate,
(c) criteria by which Critical Election Incidents are identified and the Protocol is triggered,
(d) categories of severity of Critical Election Incidents based on their severity, and
(e) details of differentiated responses to Critical Election Incidents for each of the categories identified under paragraph (d) which would be necessary and proportionate.
(5) Any Protocol published under subsection (1) must be compatible with the United Kingdom’s human rights obligations, including but not limited to the right to freedom of expression under Article 10 of the European Convention on Human Rights.
(6) The Secretary of State must lay before Parliament a report on the operation of the Protocol—
(a) one year after the publication of the Protocol under section (1) and annually thereafter, and
(b) within three months of any occasion on which the Protocol has been used.
(7) Any report published under subsection (6) must include—
(a) a description of activities undertaken under the Protocol, subject to any necessary limitations relating to national security or ongoing investigations;
(b) information about consultation with the established oversight and advisory bodies;
(c) an assessment of the impact of the Protocol on human rights and democratic participation.
(8) Any report produced under subsection (6) must be sent to the Housing and Local Government Committee of the House of Commons.
(9) In this section, references to Housing and Local Government Committee shall—
(a) if the name of that Committee is changed, be taken (subject to paragraph (b)) to be references to the Committee by its new name;
(b) if the functions of that Committee at the day that this Act is passed with respect to matters relating to Protocol become functions of a different committee of the House of Commons, be taken to be references to the committee by whom the functions for the time being are exercisable.”

None 291

Clause 90, page 128, line 9, at end insert—
“(ga) section 42(3A) (enhanced disclosure and barring service check declaration)”

This amendment is consequential on Baroness Hazarika’s amendment to clause 42, page 50, line 25.

After Clause 16, insert the following new Clause— “Citizenship education for newly enfranchised young people (1) The Secretary of State must by regulations, within 12 months of the day on which this Act is passed, make provision for the establishment of a catch-up programme of political and media literacy and citizenship education in relation to elections in secondary schools to support the extension of the franchise to 16 and 17 year olds. (2) Regulations under subsection (1) may in particular and without limitation, within the citizenship education programme and across the schools curriculum— (a) make provision for the promotion of awareness among relevant persons of current electoral systems in the United Kingdom and any pending such systems; (b) make provision for education on political and media literacy in relation to elections; (c) make provision for the promotion of electoral confidence and participation of socioeconomically disadvantaged or politically underrepresented groups, including girls and young women; (d) make provision for teacher training and continuing professional development to support the programme of political and media literacy and citizenship education in relation to elections. (3) Before making regulations under subsection (1) the Secretary of State must lay before Parliament a report on the likely impact on the electoral participation of relevant persons if a programme of citizenship and political and media literacy education in relation to elections is not provided. (4) A report laid under subsection (3) must include— (a) an assessment of existing political and media literacy and citizenship education in relation to elections and electoral participation rates of particular demographics of relevant persons, including girls and young women, to be determined by the Secretary of State, and (b) an assessment of the likely impact on particular demographic groups of relevant persons, including girls and young women, if a programme of political and media Literacy and citizenship education in relation to elections is not provided. (5) In preparing the report laid under subsection (4), the Secretary of State must consult— (a) children and young people who are, or will be within two years, newly enfranchised to vote; (b) teachers and education professionals; (c) experts, charities and civil society organisations offering support to promote democratic education, citizenship, political and media literacy, and electoral participation. (6) For the purposes of this section, “relevant persons” are children and young people who— (a) are enfranchised as a result of section 1 of this Act, or (b) are entitled to be registered as a parliamentary or local government elector before reaching voting age as a result of section 3 of this Act.”

Clause 17, page 23, line 13, at end insert— “(ba) the person is not an EU or Commonwealth citizen,”

Clause 17, page 23, line 14, leave out “the person appears to the officer to be” and insert “the officer is satisfied the person is”

Clause 17, page 24, line 19, leave out “the person appears to the officer to be” and insert “the officer is satisfied the person is”

Clause 17, page 25, line 2, leave out “appear to the officer to be” and insert “are”

Clause 17, page 25, leave out line 25 and insert— “(b) the requirement to give the notice in writing;”

Clause 17, page 26, line 17, leave out “for the time being”

Clause 17, page 26, line 36, leave out “5” and insert “6”

Clause 17, page 24, line 19, leave out “the person appears to the officer to be” and insert “the officer is satisfied the person is”

Clause 17, page 25, line 2, leave out “appear to the officer to be” and insert “are”

Clause 17, page 25, leave out line 25 and insert— “(b) the requirement to give the notice in writing;”

Clause 17, page 26, line 17, leave out “for the time being”

Clause 17, page 26, line 36, leave out “5” and insert “6”

After Clause 19, insert the following new Clause— “Registration of voters: review of electoral arrangements (1) Following the publication of a report under section 24, and before 31 October 2031, the Secretary of State must arrange for an independent review of the impact that the registration of voters without an application, as under section 17, could have on the number and boundaries of parliamentary constituencies. (2) A report must be prepared following an independent review under subsection (1) and a copy provided to the Secretary of State.”

After Clause 48, insert the following new Clause— “Voter identification: parity with online age verification (1) A document is not a specified document for the purposes of rule 37 of Schedule 1 to RPA 1983, or any corresponding provision applying to a relevant election, unless it is a government-issued identity document of a description which would satisfy the requirement made by regulations under section 214A of the Online Safety Act 2023 (power to require providers of internet services to prevent or restrict access by children to internet services). (2) The Secretary of State may by regulations make such amendments to RPA 1983, and to any other enactment relating to a relevant election, as the Secretary of State considers necessary in consequence of subsection (1). (3) Regulations under subsection (2) are to be made by statutory instrument and may not be made unless a draft has been laid before, and approved by a resolution of, each House of Parliament. (4) In this section— “government-issued identity document” means a document issued by or on behalf of the Government of the United Kingdom, a devolved administration or the government of another country or territory; “relevant election” means a parliamentary election or a local government election in England.”

After Clause 49, insert the following new Clause— “Absent voting: requirement for issuance of postal ballots In regulation 71 of The Representation of the People (England and Wales) Regulations 2001 (S.I. 2001/341), at end insert “and no earlier than a date specified by the Electoral Commission.””

After Clause 54, insert the following new Clause— “Appointment of polling and counting agents In Schedule 1 to RPA 1983 (parliamentary elections rules), as it relates to Northern Ireland, omit rule 30 (appointment of polling and counting agents).”

After Clause 59, insert the following new Clause— “Limitation of election expenses: local government elections After Section 76(2) to RPA 1983 (limitation of election expenses)— “(2ZA) The Secretary of State may by regulations prescribe a limit on the expenditure that promotes a political party without referencing the local election area or candidate.””

Clause 63, page 86, line 28, at end insert— “(da) whether the donation is associated with voting intention and campaigning polls, and”

As an amendment to the above amendment in the name of Lord Pack to After Clause 71 In subsection (2), after inserted sub-paragraph (3), insert— “(4) A declaration under sub-paragraph (1) must also state whether the person has received in the past or is currently in receipt of any income or gifts from— (a) any international organisation whose members include two or more states or the governments of two or more states, or (b) any institution, organ, office, agency or subsidiary body of an organisation mentioned in paragraph (a).”

After Clause 73, insert the following new Clause— “Extension of the prohibition on political advertising to online audiovisual and audio services (1) A provider of a relevant online audiovisual or audio service must not include, insert, display or cause to be played a political advertisement in connection with the provision of that service to users in the United Kingdom. (2) For the purposes of this section— “political advertisement” is an advertisement which exists for the purpose set out in section 43 of the Elections Act 2022 (purposes referred to in section 42); “relevant online audiovisual or audio service” means a service provided wholly or partly by means of the internet which enables users to access audiovisual or audio content, whether live or on demand, including— (a) a video-sharing or video-on-demand service, (b) an audio streaming service, (c) a radio selection service, or (d) another service enabling the selection or reception of audiovisual or audio content through internet-connected equipment. (3) The prohibition applies irrespective of whether the advertisement is presented before, during or after the content, or is inserted or selected by the provider of the service or another person. (4) The Office of Communications must make arrangements for monitoring and enforcing compliance with this section.”

After Clause 73, insert the following new Clause— “Repository of digital political advertising After section 61 of the Elections Act 2022 insert— “PART 6A REPOSITORY OF DIGITAL POLITICAL ADVERTISING 61A Establishing a repository of digital political advertising (1) The Secretary of State must, by regulations made by statutory instrument, make provision to require the Electoral Commission to establish a repository of paid-for digital political advertising. (2) Any regulations made under subsection (1) must— (a) provide for the repository of political advertising to be publicly accessible, (b) specify that a provider of a Category 1 service within the meaning of the Online Safety Act 2023 must ensure that prescribed information relating to such advertising is submitted to the repository as soon as reasonably practicable, and, in any event, within 72 hours, (c) set out the types of information to be prescribed, and (d) provide for material in the repository to be transferred to the National Archives for preservation after a certain period. (3) Before making any regulations that make provision for the matters under subsection 2(c), the Secretary of State must consult— (a) the Electoral Commission, (b) the Information Commissioner’s Office, and (c) Ofcom. (4) A statutory instrument containing regulations under subsection (1) may not be made unless a draft of the instrument has been laid before, and approved by a resolution of, each House of Parliament.””

After Clause 73, insert the following new Clause— “Translation of campaign materials (1) During the relevant period campaign material which is promoted or published in a foreign language must be translated to a native language of the British Islands. (2) A translation under subsection (1) must be approved to be accurate by the relevant election agent. (3) A person is guilty of an offence if the person causes campaign material to be promoted or published and such material has not been translated to a native language as under subsection (1). (4) For the purposes of this section— “campaign material” means imprinted election campaign material published by political parties and candidates, whether in hard copy or digital format— “foreign language” means a native language of any foreign country outside the British Islands, other than English; “relevant period” means the period specified in section 90ZA of the RPA 1983. (5) A person guilty of an offence under this section is liable— (a) on summary conviction in England and Wales, to a fine; (b) on summary conviction in Scotland or Northern Ireland to a fine not exceeding level 5 on the standard scale. (6) It is a defence for a person charged with an offence under subsection (3) to prove— (a) that the person took all reasonable steps, and exercised all due diligence, to ensure that the campaign material was not promoted or published contrary to subsection (1), and (b) that the contravention arose from circumstances beyond the person’s control.”

After Clause 73, insert the following new Clause— “Political advertising in general election periods (1) The Communications Act 2003 is amended as follows. (2) After section 368HD (lists of Tier 1 providers), insert— “368HDA Political advertising on Tier 1 services during a parliamentary general election period (1) The provider of a Tier 1 service must ensure that, during a parliamentary general election period, no advertisement to which subsection (2) applies is included in the service for viewing by members of the public in the United Kingdom. (2) This subsection applies to an advertisement which is— (a) inserted by or on behalf of a body whose objects are wholly or mainly of a political nature, or (b) directed towards a political end. (3) For the purposes of subsection (2), section 321(3) applies in determining whether objects are of a political nature or an advertisement is directed towards a political end. (4) This section does not prohibit an advertisement of a public service nature inserted by or on behalf of a government department. (5) In this section “parliamentary general election period” means the period beginning with the dissolution of Parliament for the purposes of a parliamentary general election and ending with the close of the poll at that election. (6) OFCOM must prepare and publish guidance on compliance with this section, and must consult the Electoral Commission before publishing or materially revising that guidance.” (3) In section 368HE (application etc of Chapter 2 to certain Tier 1 services), after subsection (2)(g) insert— “(h) section 368HDA (political advertising on Tier 1 services during a parliamentary general election period).””

After Clause 73, insert the following new Clause— “Electoral Commission: powers to obtain information outside of a formal investigation After section 19 of the Elections Act 2022 (criminal proceedings), insert— “Powers to obtain information outside of a formal investigation 19A Electoral Commission: powers to obtain information outside of a formal investigation (1) The Secretary of State must, by regulations made by statutory instrument, make provision to allow the Electoral Commission to issue a notice requiring certain information from a regulated user-to-user service or search service, at any time during any regulated election period. (2) Any regulations made under this section must specify that a person to whom a notice is given under this paragraph must comply with it within such reasonable time as is specified in the notice. (3) Any regulations made under this section must specify the information which may be requested by the Electoral Commission, and include the following where they relate to elections— (a) information relating to paid-for political advertising, (b) algorithmic systems, (c) coordinated inauthentic behaviour, and (d) automated or bot accounts (whether domestic or foreign). (4) Any regulations made under this section must also provide for any safeguards considered necessary by the Secretary of State as regards data protection or commercial confidentiality. (5) A statutory instrument containing regulations under this section may not be made unless a draft of the instrument has been laid before, and approved by a resolution of, each House of Parliament. (6) For the purposes of this section, “user-to-user service” has the meaning given by section 3 of the Online Safety Act 2023 (“user-to-user service” and “search service”).””

None 128

After Clause 54, insert the following new Clause—
“Voting machine pilot schemes
(1) The Secretary of State may by regulations made by statutory instrument make provision for pilot schemes under which voting machines are used for the recording of votes at polling stations at relevant elections in specified areas.
(2) In this section, “relevant election” means—
(a) a local government election in England;
(b) a parliamentary general election.
(3) Regulations under subsection (1) may modify the conduct rules applying to a relevant election, to the extent necessary for the purposes of a pilot scheme.
(4) A pilot scheme—
(a) may not apply in more than five local authority areas at any one set of local elections;
(b) may not apply in more than three parliamentary constituencies at a general election;
(c) may not apply in any area unless the relevant returning officer and local authority have consented in writing;
(d) must not alter who is entitled to vote.
(5) A voting machine may be used in a pilot scheme only if—
(a) it has been certified by the Electoral Commission as meeting standards on security, accessibility, and secrecy of the ballot,
(b) it is not connected to the internet or any external network while in use,
(c) it produces a voter-verifiable paper record of each vote cast, and
(d) paper records are retained and used for a statutory post-election audit by sample count.
(6) Regulations under this section may not be made unless the Secretary of State has consulted the Electoral Commission, the Electoral Management Board for Scotland (where relevant) and representatives of returning officers.
(7) A statutory instrument containing regulations under this section may not be made unless a draft of the instrument has been laid before, and approved by a resolution of, each House of Parliament.
(8) The Electoral Commission must, within six months of each pilot election, publish and lay before Parliament a report evaluating the pilot, covering—
(a) accuracy and speed of results,
(b) accessibility for disabled voters,
(c) voter confidence,
(d) security incidents, and
(e) cost.
(9) The power to make regulations under this section expires five years after the day on which this Act is passed.
(10) In this section, “voting machine” means a device used by an elector in a polling station to record their vote electronically, and does not include any means of voting remotely.”

This new clause would allow a small number of supervised pilots of voting machines at local and general elections, with a paper audit trail, independent certification, and an evaluation report to Parliament before any wider rollout.

None 140

After Clause 55, insert the following new Clause—
“Removal of requirement to publish candidates’ addresses
(1) Schedule 1 to RPA 1983 is amended as set out in subsections (2) and (3).
(2) In rule 6 (nomination of candidates), omit paragraphs (5) and (6).
(3) In rule 14 (publication of statement of persons nominated)—
(a) for paragraph (2) substitute—
(2)For each person who has been nominated, the statement shall show—
(a)the name,
(b)where the candidate’s home address is in the United Kingdom, the constituency or the relevant area within which that address is situated,
(c)where the candidate’s home address is outside the United Kingdom, the country within which that address is situated, and
(d)the names of the persons subscribing those papers.”;
(b) after paragraph (2) insert—
(2ZA)In paragraph (2), “relevant area” means—
(a)in relation to a home address in England—
(i)if the address is within a district for which there is a district council, that district;
(ii)if the address is within a county in which there are no districts with councils, that county;
(iii)if the address is within a London borough, that London borough;
(iv)if the address is within the City of London (including the Inner and Middle Temples), the City of London;
(v)if the address is within the Isles of Scilly, the Isles of Scilly;
(b)in relation to a home address in Wales—
(i)if the address is within a county, that county;
(ii)if the address is within a county borough, that county borough;
(c)in relation to a home address in Scotland, the local government area in which the address is situated;
(d)in relation to a home address in Northern Ireland, the local government district in which the address is situated.”;
(c) omit paragraph (3A).
(4) In rule 14A (correction of minor errors), omit subparagraph (2)(c).”

This clause would remove the requirement for candidates’ addresses to be published, replacing it with a statement of the location.

Lord Hayward gives notice of his intention to oppose the Question that Clause 51 stand part of the Bill.

This amendment, and others in the name of Lord Hayward, seek to allow for a debate on the complexity of electoral law as affected by this Bill and electoral bureaucracy and administration.

Lord Hayward gives notice of his intention to oppose the Question that Clause 52 stand part of the Bill.

This amendment, and others in the name of Lord Hayward, seek to allow for a debate on the complexity of electoral law as affected by this Act.

None 129

After Clause 54, insert the following new Clause—
“Review of undue influence offences
(1) The Secretary of State must, within 12 months of the day on which this Act is passed, and at intervals of no more than five years afterwards, review the operation and effectiveness of—
(a) section 114A of the Representation of the People Act 1983 (undue influence), in particular section 114A(4)(e) (spiritual injury and undue spiritual pressure), and
(b) section 115 of that Act, insofar as it continues to apply.
(2) A review under subsection (1) must consider—
(a) the number and outcome of prosecutions, election petitions and investigations relying on those provisions;
(b) whether the provisions are sufficiently clear to candidates, campaigners, religious leaders and voters;
(c) whether the provisions are compatible with freedom of religion and expression under Articles 9 and 10 of the European Convention on Human Rights;
(d) whether the provisions should be retained, amended or repealed.
(3) In carrying out a review, the Secretary of State must consult the Electoral Commission, the Law Commission, the Crown Prosecution Service, the police, and representatives of faith communities.
(4) The Secretary of State must lay a report of each review before Parliament within three months of its completion.”

This clause requires Ministers to review the "spiritual injury" provisions regularly. The Pickles Report recommended that the offence retain a reference to spiritual or religious influence.

None 139

Clause 55, page 66, leave out lines 26 to 39 and insert—
“(6) A public notice given under subsection (3) must not give the home address of an election agent.
(7) Where the address declared under subsection (3) is, or is at, the election agent’s home, the declaration must also state a correspondence address for the agent which may be an email address or other digital address, provided such an email address or other digital address is regularly monitored by the election agent.
(8) Nothing in subsections (6) to (7)—
(a) affects the duty under subsection (3) to declare the name and address of the election agent to the appropriate officer, or
(b) affects the validity of the service of any claim, notice, writ, summons or other document at an address so declared.”

This new amendment ensures agents’ home addresses are confidential by default with correspondence addresses the default and emails permitted.

Opposition Amendment 203

After Clause 59, insert the following new Clause—
“Publication of donations to candidates
In section 81 of RPA 1983 (return as to election expenses), after subsection (3) insert—
“(3ZA) In respect of every candidate the Electoral Commission must collect the information in subsection (3)(e) from each appropriate officer and arrange for publication of that information.””

This amendment ensures that the Electoral Commission must collect and publish information in relation to donations made to candidates or their election agents.

None 147

Clause 61, page 70, line 35, at end insert—
“55B Cryptoassets Moratorium
(1) The following provisions have effect for the purposes of this Part.
(2) The Secretary of State must, before the end of the period of 12 months beginning with the day on which section 55A comes into force, and subsequently at intervals of not more than 12 months for as long as section 55A remains in force, review the operation and effect of such provisions.
(3) Following a review under subsection (2), the Secretary of State must, after having consulted the Commission, consider whether the conditions in subsection (6) have been met and whether an order under subsection (5) should be made.
(4) The Secretary of State must publish a report of the review and lay a copy of that report before each House of Parliament.
(5) The Secretary of State may by order, repeal or amend section 55A and such other sections of this Act as are required so as to permit donations made by a permissible donor using cryptoassets or using particular categories of cryptoasset, but an order under this subsection may not be made unless—
(a) the Commission has issued guidance approved by the Secretary of State on the application of this Act to donations consisting of or made by means of cryptoassets (in particular as to the steps necessary for a political party to be satisfied of the identity of the donor of a cryptoasset donation and the valuation of that donation), and
(b) the conditions at subsection (6) have been met.
(6) The conditions referred to at subsection (5)(b) are that—
(a) the guidance under subsection (5)(a) and the regulatory framework for cryptoasset providers and transactions in the United Kingdom, including identity verification and traceability requirements, adequately mitigates the risks that led to enactment of section 55A;
(b) the Commission has certified in such form as it considers appropriate that it is satisfied that the condition in paragraph (a) is met and it has the powers, capacity and operational frameworks to enforce its guidance and a copy of that certificate has been laid before each House of Parliament.
(7) An order under subsection (5) must be made by statutory instrument and is not to be made unless a draft of the instrument has been laid before and approved by a resolution of each House.
(8) The Commission may from time-to-time update and, or replace the guidance at subsection (5)(a) as it considers necessary for the conditions at subsection (6) to continue to be met.”

This amendment requires the Secretary of State to review the operation and effect of section 55A and consider whether to exercise a power, when certain conditions are met, to amend the PPERA 2000 by order to permit donations by a permissible donor made using cryptoassets or particular categories of cryptoasset.

Opposition Amendment 169

Clause 65, page 95, line 20, after “party” insert “, any other party, any regulated donee (within the meaning of Schedule 7) or any candidate (see Schedule 2A to the Representation of the People Act 1983)”

This amendment would ensure that the amount a company or limited liability partnership can donate to a party must take into account any donations it has already made to other parties, regulated donees (which includes members of parties, members associations and holders of elective offices) or electoral candidates.

Opposition Amendment 170

Clause 65, page 95, line 34, after “party” insert “, any other party, any regulated donee (within the meaning of Schedule 7) or any candidate (see Schedule 2A to the Representation of the People Act 1983)”

This amendment would ensure that the amount a company or limited liability partnership can donate to a party must take into account any donations it has already made to other parties, regulated donees (which includes members of parties, members associations and holders of elective offices) or electoral candidates.

None 174

After Clause 71, insert the following new Clause—
“Trade union donations funded by members who have opted in
(1) PPERA 2000 is amended as follows.
(2) After section 54 (permissible donors) insert—
“54A Trade union donations: requirement for member consent
(1) A registered party, recognised third party, regulated donee or permitted participant must not accept a relevant donation from a trade union unless the donation is funded solely by contributions from members who have given express consent to contribute to the union’s political fund.
(2) For the purposes of subsection (1), a member has given express consent only if the member has taken a separate, affirmative step to agree to make contributions to the political fund.
(3) Consent must not be inferred from—
(a) a member’s silence or failure to respond to a request for consent,
(b) continued membership of the trade union, or
(c) the payment of a general trade union subscription, unless the member has separately and expressly agreed that a specified part of that subscription is to be paid into the political fund.
(4) A donation is not eligible for acceptance under subsection (1) unless the trade union has given the recipient a certificate stating that the donation is funded in accordance with that subsection.
(5) A trade union giving a certificate under subsection (4) must retain records sufficient to demonstrate the basis on which the certificate was given and provide those records to the Electoral Commission on request.
(6) The Electoral Commission may issue guidance about the form of a certificate and the records required under subsection (5).
(7) A donation accepted in breach of this section is to be treated for the purposes of this Part as a donation from an impermissible donor.””

This amendment would prevent political parties and other regulated recipients from accepting donations from trade unions unless the union certifies that the money came from members who expressly opted in to contributing to the political fund.

Opposition Amendment 201

After Clause 71, insert the following new Clause—
“Variation of specified sums or percentages: changes in the value of money
(1) Section 155 of PPERA 2000 (power to vary specified sums or percentages) is amended as follows.
(2) After subsection (1A) insert—
“(1B) In each financial year the Secretary of State must make an order under subsection (1) in relation to sums relating to campaign expenditure, pursuant to section 79 and Schedule 9, to reflect changes in the value of money, by reference to the Consumer Price Index for the month of September in that financial year.””

This amendment requires the Secretary of State to annually increase sums relating to campaign expenditure to reflect changes of the value of money.

Opposition Amendment 202

After Clause 71, insert the following new Clause—
“Review of donations from UK-based mega-donors
(1) The Secretary of State must, within one month of the day on which this Act is passed, establish a cross-departmental task and finish team (the “Team”) to review the influence of large donations made by donors based in the United Kingdom to political parties.
(2) The Team must examine and make recommendations on—
(a) how a “mega-donor” should be defined for the purposes of regulation, including by reference to the size, frequency and aggregate value of donations made by a donor and by persons connected with that donor,
(b) whether, and at what level, a cap should be imposed on the total value of donations that a person may make in a calendar year to a political party, regulated donee or recognised third party,
(c) how any cap should apply to donations made through companies, trusts, unincorporated associations, trade unions, loans, non-cash donations and donations in cryptoassets, so that it cannot be avoided through connected persons or intermediaries,
(d) the effect of any cap on the funding of political parties,
(e) the enforcement and oversight of any new restrictions on large donations, including the role and powers of the Electoral Commission, and
(f) how any proposed measures could be implemented in time to take effect before the next general election.
(3) The Team may consult the Electoral Commission, the Ethics and Integrity Commission, registered political parties and any other such persons as it considers appropriate.
(4) The Team must be chaired by the Minister responsible for democracy and include representatives of—
(a) the Cabinet Office,
(b) the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government,
(c) His Majesty’s Treasury, and
(d) such other departments as may be appropriate.
(5) The Team must report to the Secretary of State within six months of the day on which it is established.
(6) The Secretary of State must lay the report before Parliament within 14 days of receiving it.
(7) The Secretary of State must, within two months of laying the report, lay before Parliament a statement setting out the Government’s response, including whether it intends to bring forward legislation to give effect to the Team’s recommendations and, if so, when.”

This amendment is intended to probe the remit and membership of the task and finish group announced in the House of Commons on 2 September 2026 and its timeline for carrying out and concluding its work.

Opposition Amendment 142

After Clause 71, insert the following new Clause—
“Annual spending limits
In Schedule 9 to PPERA (limits on campaign expenditure), leave out paragraph 3(7) and insert—
“(7) For the purposes of this paragraph the relevant period is each calendar year.””

This amendment provides for an annual expenditure limit for political parties.

Clause 2, page 2, line 29, at end insert “or a secure children’s home”

After Clause 3, insert the following new Clause— “Amendment to section 214A of the Online Safety Act 2023 In section 214A of the Online Safety Act 2023 (power to require providers of internet services to prevent or restrict access by children to internet services), at the end of subsection (2) insert “, or (b) in relation to access to internet services containing materials relevant to elections, means a child who is not registered to vote under section 3 of the Representation of the People Act 2026.””

Clause 15, page 21, line 15, at end insert— “(2A) A local authority in England, Wales or Scotland must ensure that information given to relevant young people relating to registering to vote in an election is neutral or politically balanced and not designed to favour one outcome or party over another.”

Clause 16, page 22, line 26, at end insert— (1A) A Health and Social Care trust must ensure that information given to relevant young people relating to registering to vote in an election is neutral or politically balanced and not designed to favour one outcome or party over another.”

After Clause 16, insert the following new Clause— “Hustings in education establishments If it is considered expedient by a learning establishment which is attended by voters aged 18 or under to invite candidates in an election to address the learners in a hustings, all the candidates, or representatives of those candidates, in that election must be given reasonable notice to attend the husting.”

After Clause 16, insert the following new Clause— “Review of cost of duties to raise awareness and provide assistance Within 12 months of the day on which this Act is passed, the Secretary of State must publish a report on the costs to local authorities of the duties in sections 15 and 16 (duties to raise awareness and provide assistance).”

After Clause 16, insert the following new Clause— “Enfranchisement of certain foreign nationals at parliamentary elections In section 1(1)(c) of the Representation of the People Act 1983 (entitlement to vote in parliamentary elections), after “Ireland” insert “or a foreign national who has— (i) the right of abode in the United Kingdom, (ii) settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, (iii) indefinite leave to enter the United Kingdom, or (iv) indefinite leave to remain in the United Kingdom;”.”

After Clause 16, insert the following new Clause— “Enfranchisement of certain foreign nationals at local government elections in England In section (2)(1)(c) of the Representation of the People Act 1983 (local government electors), after “Ireland” insert “, a qualifying foreign citizen;””

Clause 42, page 50, line 25, at end insert— “(3A) After rule 6 insert— “6AA (1) A person is not validly nominated unless the person makes a declaration that they assent to undertake an enhanced DBS check and obtain an enhanced DBS certificate if elected. (2) The Secretary of State may make regulations which make necessary provision for the designation of an organisation from which the DBS check under paragraph 1 must be obtained. (3) The Secretary of State must lay before Parliament draft regulations under paragraph 2 before the end of the period of 90 days beginning with the day on which the Representation of the People Act 2026 is passed. (4) For the purposes of this rule, “enhanced DBS check” means an enhanced check with the Disclosure and Barring Service for the purposes of Part V of the Police Act 1997.””

Lord Hayward gives notice of his intention to oppose the Question that Clause 44 stand part of the Bill.

After Clause 48, insert the following new Clause— “Blind and partially sighted voters: equipment and secret voting (1) Rule 29 (equipment of polling stations) of Schedule 1 to RPA 1983 (parliamentary elections rules) is amended as follows. (2) In paragraph (3)(a), at end insert “independently and in secret”. (3) For paragraph (3A) substitute— “(3A) The returning officer shall also provide each polling station with such equipment as is necessary to ensure that relevant persons are able to vote independently and in secret, including— (a) tactile equipment that enables the voter to navigate the ballot paper and accurately mark their chosen candidate without assistance, and (b) audio equipment that enables the voter to access and review the content of the ballot paper in the language in which it is printed without assistance. (3AA) For the purposes of paragraph (3A)(b), a person is able to vote independently and in secret only if they are not required to rely on the assistance of the presiding officer, companion, or any other person to navigate, review and mark the ballot paper.””

After Clause 54, insert the following new Clause— “Political party polling station passes (1) The Electoral Commission must by regulations made by statutory instrument provide for a scheme for the issuance of polling station passes by the relevant local authority to contesting political parties. (2) The scheme under subsection (1) only applies to polling stations that the Electoral Commission has designated as stations with a high risk of voter harassment outside the station by tellers. (3) A contesting political party may apply for a polling station pass for each designated polling station that they intend to send tellers to. (4) One polling station pass may be issued per contesting political party in respect of a designated polling station. (5) A polling station pass allows one teller from a contesting political party at a time to be present outside of the polling station on the day of an election at that polling station, with the exception of the provision in subsection (6). (6) A polling station pass may be transferred between tellers of the same political party on the day of an election. (7) A statutory instrument containing regulations under subsection (1) may not be made unless a draft of the instrument has been laid before, and approved by a resolution of, each House of Parliament. (8) In this section “contesting political party” means those parties and individuals whose nominations have been accepted at an election.”

After Clause 55 insert the following new Clause— “Election agents: disability-related spending Paragraph 7A of Schedule 4A to RPA 1983 (candidate’s disability) is amended as follows— (a) in sub-paragraph (1) after “candidate’s” insert “or their election agent’s”; (b) in sub-paragraph (2)(a) after “Scotland” insert “or their election agent”; (c) in sub-paragraph (2)(b) after “Northern Ireland” insert “or their election agent”.”

After Clause 65, insert the following new Clause— “Donations by trade unions to political parties: annual report requirement After section 54 (permissible donors) of PPERA 2000 insert— “54ZA Donations by trade unions: annual report requirement (1) This section applies to a donation by a trade union to a registered party to which this Part applies. (2) A trade union is to be treated as not being a permissible donor in relation to a donation to which this section applies, unless details of that donation are included in an annual report by the trade union for the year in which the donation was made. (3) Details of a donation that must be included in an annual report are— (a) the donation amount, and (b) the donation recipient.””

After Clause 65, insert the following new Clause— “Donations by trade unions to candidates: annual report requirement After section 54 (permissible donors) of PPERA 2000 insert— “54ZA Donations by trade unions to candidates: annual report requirement (1) This section applies to a donation by a trade union to a registered candidate to which this Part applies. (2) The trade union is to be treated as not being a permissible donor in relation to a donation to which this section applies, unless details of that donation are included in an annual report by the trade union for the year in which the donation was made. (3) Details of a donation that must be included in an annual report are— (a) the donation amount, and (b) the donation recipient.””

After Clause 73, insert the following new Clause— “Extend the prohibition on political advertising to online audiovisual and audio services (1) A provider of a relevant online audiovisual or audio service must not include, insert, display or cause to be played a political advertisement in connection with the provision of that service to users in the United Kingdom. (2) For the purposes of this section— “political advertisement” is an advertisement which exists for the purpose set out in section 43 of the Elections Act 2022 (purposes referred to in section 42); “relevant online audiovisual or audio service” means a service provided wholly or partly by means of the internet which enables users to access audiovisual or audio content, whether live or on demand, including— (a) a video-sharing or video-on-demand service, (b) an audio streaming service, (c) a radio selection service, or (d) another service enabling the selection or reception of audiovisual or audio content through internet-connected equipment. (3) The prohibition applies irrespective of whether the advertisement is presented before, during or after the content, or is inserted or selected by the provider of the service or another person. (4) The Office of Communications must make arrangements for monitoring and enforcing compliance with this section.”

After Clause 73, insert the following new Clause— “Extend the prohibition on political advertising to online audiovisual and audio services (1) A provider of a relevant online audiovisual or audio service must not include, insert, display or cause to be played a political advertisement in connection with the provision of that service to users in the United Kingdom. (2) For the purposes of this section— “political advertisement” is an advertisement which exists for the purpose set out in section 43 of the Elections Act 2022 (purposes referred to in section 42); “relevant online audiovisual or audio service” means a service provided wholly or partly by means of the internet which enables users to access audiovisual or audio content, whether live or on demand, including— (a) a video-sharing or video-on-demand service, (b) an audio streaming service, (c) a radio selection service, or (d) another service enabling the selection or reception of audiovisual or audio content through internet-connected equipment. (3) The prohibition applies irrespective of whether the advertisement is presented before, during or after the content, or is inserted or selected by the provider of the service or another person. (4) The Office of Communications must make arrangements for monitoring and enforcing compliance with this section.”

After Clause 73, insert the following new Clause— “Information to be included with electronic material: data provenance After section 41 (requirement to include information with electronic material) of the Elections Act 2022 insert— “41A Requirement to include information with electronic material created through generative artificial intelligence (1) This section applies to electronic material which— (a) meets the conditions in section 42 (paid for electronic material), or (b) meets the conditions in section 44 (other electronic material), and has been generated wholly through generative artificial intelligence. (2) Electronic material to which this section applies must not be published unless it includes the following information— (a) a statement that content was wholly generated by a generative artificial intelligence system; (b) the name of the system used to generate the content. (3) The Secretary of State may, by regulations made by statutory instrument, specify— (a) additional requirements for information to be required under subsection (2); (b) the form in which the information required under subsection (2) is to be provided. (4) The form prescribed by regulations under subsection (3)(b) must be a form which can be detected and processed by regulated user-to-user services for the purpose of providing the required information to users of such services. (5) A statutory instrument containing regulations under this section may not be made unless a draft of the instrument has been laid before, and approved by a resolution of, each House of Parliament. (6) For the purposes of this section, “generative artificial intelligence” means computer system or software that— (a) is capable of producing text, images, audio, video, or other content autonomously, wholly or substantially, based on prompts or instructions provided by a user, (b) uses machine learning or other algorithmic techniques to generate content that mimics human-created material, and (c) may produce content that is not pre-existing but is synthesised based on patterns learned from existing data.””

After Clause 79, insert the following new Clause— “Electoral Commission approval of election policing plans (1) This section applies when the Electoral Commission assesses that an upcoming relevant election has a high risk, in an individual constituency, ward or area, of— (a) hostility towards candidates; (b) voter harassment. (2) In an election to which subsection (1) applies, The Electoral Commission must ask the local police force to produce an election policing plan which must include details of an agreed designated area around a polling station for the purpose of preventing the harassment of voters outside polling stations. (3) The Electoral Commission must review and approve an election policing plan produced by the local police force under subsection (2). (4) In this section “relevant election” means a parliamentary or local government election.”

After Clause 84, insert the following new Clause— “Extended incapacities following corrupt or illegal practices (1) RPA 1983 is amended as follows. (2) In section 160 (persons reported personally guilty of corrupt or illegal practices), in subsection (5)— (a) in paragraph (a) (corrupt practice), for “five years” substitute “ten years”; (b) in paragraph (b) (illegal practice), for “three years” substitute “ten years”. (3) In section 165 (avoidance of election for employing corrupt agent), after subsection (3) insert— “(3A) A person commits an offence if they engage a person under subsection (1) who is incapable of acting as an agent by virtue of this section. (3B) A person guilty of an offence under subsection (3) is liable to a fine not exceeding Level 3 on the standard scale.” (4) In section 173 (incapacities on conviction of corrupt or illegal practice)— (a) after subsection (1)(a)(iii), insert— “(iv) being a candidate at any parliamentary or local government election, or (v) acting as an election agent or sub-agent for any candidate at any such election; and”; (b) in subsection (3) (relevant period)— (i) in paragraph (a) (corrupt practice), for “five years” substitute “ten years”; (ii) in paragraph (b) (illegal practice), for “three years” substitute “ten years”. (5) In section 173A (incapacity to hold public or judicial office in Scotland), in subsection (1)(a), for “five years” substitute “ten years”. (6) The amendments made by this section apply only in relation to a person convicted, or reported by an election court as personally guilty, on or after the day on which this section comes into force. (7) Nothing in this section affects the operation of section 174 of RPA 1983 (mitigation and remission etc).”

After Clause 84, insert the following new Clause— “Reduction of age of candidacy for parliamentary elections (1) Section 17 of the Electoral Administration Act 2006 (minimum age) is amended as follows. (2) In subsection (1), for “18” substitute “17”. (3) After subsection (8) insert— “(9) The provisions of this section must apply to any parliamentary general election or parliamentary by-election held after the day on which the Representation of the People Act 2026 is passed.””

After Clause 84, insert the following new Clause— “Guidance on the law relating to digital communication offences in relation to elections (1) The Secretary of State must, within six months of the day on which this Act is passed, publish and lay before both Houses of Parliament guidance on certain digital communication offences, including offences involving digital manipulation and artificially generated content in relation to candidates and elected officials. (2) Any guidance issued under section (1) must include guidance on the following— (a) the operation of section 106 (false statements as to candidates) of the RPA 1983 in relation to digital communications; (b) the operation of section 114A (undue influence) of the RPA 1983 in relation to digital communications; (c) the interaction between the operations of sections 106 and 114A of the RPA 1983 and the duty of providers under the Online Safety Act 2023, including in relation to priority offences during election periods. (3) Within 12 months of the publication of guidance under subsection (1) and annually thereafter, the Secretary of State must publish and lay before Parliament either— (a) a statement that no updates to the guidance are required, or (b) an updated version of the guidance. (4) Before issuing— (a) any guidance under subsection (1) or subsection (3)(b), or (b) a statement under subsection (3)(a), the Secretary of State must consult Ofcom and such other persons as they think necessary. (5) For the purposes of this section “priority offences” means an offence listed in Schedule 7 (priority offences) of the Online Safety Act 2023.”

After Clause 84, insert the following new Clause— “Report on electoral online harms (1) Within six months of the day on which this Act is passed, the Electoral Commission must publish a report on the prevention of electoral online harms. (2) For the purposes of this section, “electoral online harms” includes— (a) abuse and harassment of or threats directed towards elected representatives, candidates, party campaigners and election officials, or (b) incitement to violence against any such individuals, but does not include mockery or insult, save where it forms part of a campaign of harassment. (3) Any report published under subsection (1) must contain— (a) an assessment of the risks of electoral online harms, and (b) proposals to put in place systems to mitigate those risks including through amendment of the Online Safety Act 2023. (4) Before publishing its report under subsection (1) the Electoral Commission must consult— (a) Ofcom, and (b) the National Police Chiefs Council.”

After Clause 84, insert the following new Clause— “Government review of the “regulated periods” in relation to elections (1) The Secretary of State must, within 12 months of the day on which this Act is passed, commission a review of the adequacy of the current regulated periods for elections and referendums. (2) The review must consider the following— (a) the impact of campaign activity outside the relevant regulated period on elections; (b) whether the length of the regulated periods are sufficient to tackle the prevalence of— (i) manipulated content, (ii) misinformation, and (iii) disinformation, and their potential influence on elections. (3) The review may make any recommendations it feels necessary for legislative or regulatory reform as a result of its findings. (4) For the purposes of this section, “campaign activity” includes— (a) digital campaigning, (b) targeted advertising, and (c) automated content distribution. (5) For the purposes of this section “regulated period” means any period regulated under the Representation of the People Act 1983. (6) The Secretary of State must lay a report of the review before both Houses of Parliament, together with their response to any recommendations for legislative or regulatory reform.”

After Clause 84, insert the following new Clause— “Report on electoral online harms (1) Within six months of the day on which this Act is passed, the Electoral Commission must publish a report on the prevention of electoral online harms. (2) For the purposes of this section, “electoral online harms” includes— (a) abuse and harassment of or threats directed towards elected representatives, candidates, party campaigners and election officials, or (b) incitement to violence against any such individuals, but does not include mockery or insult, save where it forms part of a campaign of harassment. (3) Any report published under subsection (1) must contain— (a) an assessment of the risks of electoral online harms, and (b) proposals to put in place systems to mitigate those risks including through amendment of the Online Safety Act 2023. (4) Before publishing its report under subsection (1) the Electoral Commission must consult— (a) Ofcom, and (b) the National Police Chiefs Council.”

After Clause 84, insert the following new Clause— “Government review of the “regulated periods” in relation to elections (1) The Secretary of State must, within 12 months of the day on which this Act is passed, commission a review of the adequacy of the current regulated periods for elections and referendums. (2) The review must consider the following— (a) the impact of campaign activity outside the relevant regulated period on elections; (b) whether the length of the regulated periods are sufficient to tackle the prevalence of— (i) manipulated content, (ii) misinformation, and (iii) disinformation, and their potential influence on elections. (3) The review may make any recommendations it feels necessary for legislative or regulatory reform as a result of its findings. (4) For the purposes of this section, “campaign activity” includes— (a) digital campaigning, (b) targeted advertising, and (c) automated content distribution. (5) For the purposes of this section “regulated period” means any period regulated under the Representation of the People Act 1983. (6) The Secretary of State must lay a report of the review before both Houses of Parliament, together with their response to any recommendations for legislative or regulatory reform.”

After Clause 84, insert the following new Clause— “Critical election incident protocol (1) The Secretary of State must, within 12 months of the day on which this Act is passed, publish and lay before both Houses of Parliament, a Critical Election Incident Protocol (“the Protocol”) for the purpose of responding to incidents that present a significant risk to the integrity, security or public confidence of elections. (2) For the purposes of this section, a “Critical Election Incident” means any event, threat or activity that poses a substantial risk to— (a) the integrity, security or administration of an election, (b) the ability of the public to freely participate in the electoral process, or (c) public confidence in the fairness or legitimacy of an election. (3) Before publishing the Protocol, the Secretary must consult the following on its contents— (a) relevant civil society organisations, (b) relevant experts, and (c) relevant regulators. (4) Any Protocol published under subsection (1) must include— (a) the establishment of an oversight body comprised of such senior ministers and officials as the Secretary of State considers appropriate, (b) the establishment of an advisory body of civil society and experts with relevant expertise as the Secretary of State considers appropriate, (c) criteria by which Critical Election Incidents are identified and the Protocol is triggered, (d) categories of severity of Critical Election Incidents based on their severity, and (e) details of differentiated responses to Critical Election Incidents for each of the categories identified under paragraph (d) which would be necessary and proportionate. (5) Any Protocol published under subsection (1) must be compatible with the United Kingdom’s human rights obligations, including but not limited to the right to freedom of expression under Article 10 of the European Convention on Human Rights. (6) The Secretary of State must lay before Parliament a report on the operation of the Protocol— (a) one year after the publication of the Protocol under section (1) and annually thereafter, and (b) within three months of any occasion on which the Protocol has been used. (7) Any report published under subsection (6) must include— (a) a description of activities undertaken under the Protocol, subject to any necessary limitations relating to national security or ongoing investigations; (b) information about consultation with the established oversight and advisory bodies; (c) an assessment of the impact of the Protocol on human rights and democratic participation. (8) Any report produced under subsection (6) must be sent to the Housing and Local Government Committee of the House of Commons. (9) In this section, references to Housing and Local Government Committee shall— (a) if the name of that Committee is changed, be taken (subject to paragraph (b)) to be references to the Committee by its new name; (b) if the functions of that Committee at the day that this Act is passed with respect to matters relating to Protocol become functions of a different committee of the House of Commons, be taken to be references to the committee by whom the functions for the time being are exercisable.”

After Clause 84, insert the following new Clause— “Repository of digital political advertising After section 61 of the Elections Act 2022 insert— “PART 6A REPOSITORY OF DIGITAL POLITICAL ADVERTISING 61A Establishing a repository of digital political advertising (1) The Secretary of State must, by regulations made by statutory instrument, make provision to require the Electoral Commission to establish a repository of paid-for digital political advertising. (2) Any regulations made under subsection (1) must— (a) provide for the repository of political advertising to be publicly accessible, (b) specify that a provider of a Category 1 service within the meaning of the Online Safety Act 2023 must ensure that prescribed information relating to such advertising is submitted to the repository as soon as reasonably practicable, and, in any event, within 72 hours, (c) set out the types of information to be prescribed, and (d) provide for material in the repository to be transferred to the National Archives for preservation after a certain period. (3) Before making any regulations that make provision for the matters under subsection 2(c), the Secretary of State must consult— (a) the Electoral Commission, (b) the Information Commissioner’s Office, and (c) Ofcom. (4) A statutory instrument containing regulations under subsection (1) may not be made unless a draft of the instrument has been laid before, and approved by a resolution of, each House of Parliament.””

Clause 90, page 128, line 9, at end insert— “(ga) section 42(3A) (enhanced disclosure and barring service check declaration)”

None 302

Clause 90, page 128, line 28, at end insert—
“(5A) A statutory instrument containing regulations under subsection (1) which bring section 1(2) into force may not be made unless a draft of the instrument has been laid before and approved by a resolution of each House of Parliament.”

This amendment seeks to require the approval of both Houses of Parliament under the affirmative procedure before the voting age is lowered to 16 for future elections to the House of Commons.

Opposition Amendment 254

After Clause 84, insert the following new Clause—
“Systemic risks affecting electoral processes and democratic participation
(1) The Online Safety Act 2023 is amended as follows.
(2) In Part 3, after Chapter 5 insert—
“Chapter 5A
Systemic risk affecting electoral processes
40A Duty to assess systemic risks
(1) A provider of a Category 1 service or Category 2A service must carry out a suitable and sufficient assessment of the reasonably foreseeable systemic risks arising from the design, operation or use of the service, including foreseeable misuse, which may have a significant adverse effect in the United Kingdom on—
(a) the integrity of election processes, or
(b) the ability of eligible voters to access reliable information relating to elections.
(2) In carrying out an assessment under subsection (1), the provider must have regard, in particular, to—
(a) the likelihood and severity of the adverse effect,
(b) the extent to which the design or operation of the service contributes to the risk,
(c) the design and operation of recommender, ranking, search, advertising and monetisation systems,
(d) functionalities affecting the generation, selection, presentation, dissemination or amplification of information,
(e) foreseeable coordinated or automated manipulation of the service,
(f) in the case of a search service, the risk of materially inaccurate or outdated information about electoral registration, voter identification, eligibility or polling arrangements being presented to users,
(g) relevant evidence, including independent evidence where reasonably available, and
(h) any material uncertainty affecting the assessment.
(3) Political disagreement, criticism of institutions, declining trust in an institution or differences in the reach of political viewpoints do not, of themselves, constitute a systemic risk for the purposes of this section.
(4) A provider must carry out or review an assessment under this section—
(a) at least once in every period of 12 months,
(b) before making a significant change to the design or operation of the service which is reasonably likely materially to affect a systemic risk,
(c) where new evidence reasonably indicates that a systemic risk may have materially changed, and
(d) sufficiently in advance of an election or referendum where the provider reasonably considers that the event may materially affect a systemic risk.
(5) A provider must make and keep a written record of each assessment.
(6) In this section “election processes” means processes for the registration of voters, arrangements for voting, and arrangements for the counting of votes.
40B Duty to mitigate and evaluate systemic risks
(1) A provider must take reasonable, proportionate and effective measures, having regard to its most recent assessment under section 40A, to mitigate and manage systemic risks identified in that assessment.
(2) The provider must—
(a) keep the effectiveness of those measures under review;
(b) consider appropriate evidence about their effectiveness and any material unintended effects; and
(c) take further or different reasonable and proportionate measures where that evidence shows that an identified systemic risk remains inadequately mitigated.
(3) In complying with this section, a provider must have particular regard to—
(a) freedom of expression within the law,
(b) privacy,
(c) access to information,
(d) non-discrimination, and
(e) media freedom and pluralism.
(4) Nothing in this Chapter requires a provider or Ofcom—
(a) to determine the truth or accuracy of an individual item of lawful content,
(b) to restrict lawful content solely because of the political viewpoint or opinion expressed in it, or
(c) to secure a particular political or electoral outcome.
(5) A provider must make and keep a written record of the measures taken under this section, the evidence considered in evaluating their effectiveness and any further action taken as a result.
(6) A provider is to be treated as complying with subsection (1) if the provider takes or uses the measures described in a code of practice under section 41 which are recommended for the purpose of compliance with that subsection.
(7) Compliance with subsection (1) by virtue of subsection (6) does not relieve a provider of its duties under subsection (2).”
(3) In section 41 (codes of practice about duties), after subsection (4) insert—
“(4A) Ofcom must prepare and issue a code of practice for providers of Category 1 services and Category 2A services describing measures recommended for the purpose of compliance with section 40B(1).
(4B) In preparing a code under subsection (4A), Ofcom must consult the Electoral Commission.”
(4) In paragraph 10(4) of Schedule 4 (content of codes of practice), after paragraph (h) insert—
“(i) section 40B(1) (mitigation of systemic risks affecting election processes).”
(5) In the table in section 131(2) (requirements enforceable by Ofcom against providers of regulated services), after the entry for section 39 insert—
“

This amendment would require Category 1 platforms and Category 2A search services to assess systemic risks arising from their services which may significantly affect election processes or access to election information, take reasonable, proportionate and effective measures to address identified risks, and evaluate whether those measures are effective. OFCOM would be required to prepare a code of practice.

None 255

After Clause 84, insert the following new Clause—
“Governance, oversight and reporting in relation to democratic defence units
(1) The Secretary of State must, within six months of the day on which this Act is passed, publish and lay before Parliament a statement setting out the operational remit, governance arrangements and democratic safeguards for each relevant unit in relation to relevant election periods.
(2) A statement under subsection (1) must set out formal protocols for inter-agency coordination, information-sharing and joint threat assessments between the relevant units, the Electoral Commission and OFCOM in relation to relevant election periods.
(3) The Secretary of State must, within six months of the day on which this Act is passed, establish and lay before Parliament a critical election incident public protocol setting out the procedures and threshold criteria by which an independent panel of senior public officials may issue public warnings or notifications regarding severe, verified foreign state interference or systemic disinformation during a regulated election period.
(4) The Secretary of State must prepare a report in respect of each reporting period detailing—
(a) the nature and scale of foreign state interference and foreign-funded disinformation campaigns targeting elections in the United Kingdom,
(b) the actions taken by the relevant units to counter such interference,
(c) the number and nature of any representations, requests, referrals or notices, whether formal or informal, made by or on behalf of His Majesty’s Government (including any relevant unit) to—
(i) providers of Part 3 services, or
(ii) any other person providing an internet service,
regarding content moderation, terms-of-service enforcement or the removal or restriction of content, including any made through a trusted flagger or similar arrangement which relate to the targeting of elections, and
(d) the operational safeguards maintained to ensure that measures to counter foreign state interference targeting elections do not impede lawful domestic political debate, journalistic activity or freedom of expression during a relevant election period.
(5) The Secretary of State must, within three months of the end of each reporting period—
(a) submit the report under subsection (4) to the Intelligence and Security Committee of Parliament, and
(b) lay before Parliament a copy of the report, subject to subsection (6).
(6) If the Secretary of State, after consulting the Intelligence and Security Committee of Parliament, considers that the publication of any matter in the report would be prejudicial to national security, that matter may be excluded from the copy laid before Parliament under subsection (5)(b); and the copy so laid must state that matter has been excluded.
(7) In this section—
“internet service” has the meaning given by section 228 of the Online Safety Act 2023;
“OFCOM” means the Office of Communications;
“Part 3 service” has the meaning given by section 4 of the Online Safety Act 2023, and references to the provider of such a service are to be read in accordance with section 226 of that Act;
“regulated election period” , in relation to an election or referendum, means the period beginning with the day on which notice of the election or referendum is given and ending with the day of the poll;
“relevant unit” means any unit within His Majesty’s Government established to counter foreign interference, state-backed disinformation or threats to democratic processes, including—
(a) the Defending Democracy Taskforce,
(b) the National Centre for Information Defence,
(c) the National Security Online Information Team, and
(d) any successor body to a unit mentioned in paragraphs (a) to (c);
“reporting period” means—
(a) the period of 12 months beginning with the day on which this Act is passed, and
(b) each subsequent period of 12 months.”

This new Clause places executive counter-interference bodies in a statutory governance framework. It requires the Secretary of State to establish formal coordination protocols and introduces a Canadian-style critical election incident public protocol to warn the public of severe foreign election subversion.

None 221

After Clause 73, insert the following new Clause—
“Identification of printed election material
(1) The Representation of the People Act 1983 is amended as follows.
(2) In section 110 (details to appear on election publications)—
(a) after subsection (3)(c) insert—
“(d) where the material is published by or on behalf of a candidate, a unique identification number allocated by the candidate or election agent.”;
(b) in subsection (6)(b), for “subsection (3)(b) and (c)” substitute “subsection (3)(b) to (d)”.
(3) After section 110(6) insert—
“(6A) For the purposes of subsection (3)(d), each distinct item of printed election material published by or on behalf of a candidate must bear a separate identification number, but multiple copies of the same material may bear the same number.”
(4) In section 81 (return as to election expenses), after subsection (2) insert—
“(2A) Where a return includes expenditure on printed election material bearing a unique identification number under section 110(3)(d), the return must record that number against the corresponding expenditure entry.””

This new clause is intended to require that all printed election material that is published by or on behalf of a candidate carries a unique identification number that corresponds to the entry that is made in the candidate’s election expenses return. This is intended to improve transparency and accountability of election expenses.

Opposition Amendment 222

After Clause 73, insert the following new Clause—
“Political advertising libraries
After section 61 of the Elections Act 2022 insert—
“PART 6A
POLITICAL ADVERTISING LIBRARIES
61A Duty to maintain political advertising library
(1) A relevant provider must maintain a publicly accessible library of electronic material—
(a) to which section 41 applies by virtue of section 42 (paid-for electronic material), and
(b) which is published on or by means of an online service provided by the relevant provider to users in the United Kingdom.
(2) In relation to each item of electronic material, the library must include—
(a) a copy of the material, including its content and format;
(b) the name and address of the promoter and, where different, the person on whose behalf the material is published;
(c) the identity of the person or organisation that paid for the material to be published and, where applicable, information about any relevant controlling entity;
(d) the election, referendum, recall petition or other electoral process to which the material relates, where applicable;
(e) the date on which the material was first published and, once it ceases to be published, the date on which it was last published;
(f) the amount paid or payable for its publication;
(g) information about the intended targeting criteria and methods;
(h) aggregate information held by the provider about the audience to which the material was delivered, including its reach and engagement;
(i) a unique identifier for the material.
(3) A record of the material must be added to the library as soon as reasonably practicable after the material is first published and, in any event, within 72 hours of that publication.
(4) Information required by subsection (2) which becomes available after the record is added must be added within such period as may be prescribed in regulations made by the Secretary of State, and the record must otherwise be kept up to date in accordance with regulations made by the Secretary of State.
(5) The library must be—
(a) available to the public free of charge;
(b) searchable;
(c) available for download in a machine-readable format;
(d) available through an application programming interface or other equivalent means of automated access.
(6) Records must remain publicly available in the library for at least seven years after the material was last published.
(7) A relevant provider must, in accordance with regulations made by the Secretary of State, provide to the Keeper of Public Records a copy of the material and information required by this section for permanent preservation.
61B Relevant providers
(1) In this Part, “relevant provider” means the provider of an online service which—
(a) in the course of business sells or otherwise facilitates the publication of electronic material as advertisements to users in the United Kingdom, and
(b) meets such conditions or thresholds as may be prescribed in regulations made by the Secretary of State.
(2) In making regulations under subsection (1)(b), the Secretary of State must have regard to—
(a) the need to secure effective transparency in relation to paid-for electronic material, and
(b) the need for requirements imposed on providers to be proportionate to the size, reach and role of the service.
(3) Regulations may make different provision for different descriptions of service, including exemptions or modified requirements for smaller services.
(4) In this Part, “electronic material”, “the promoter” and “publish” have the meanings given by section 39.
61C Regulations, guidance and enforcement
(1) The Secretary of State may by regulations make further provision about—
(a) information to be included in a political advertising library, including information relating to payments and transactions;
(b) the form and manner in which information is to be made available, including technical standards for searchability, machine readability and automated access;
(c) the updating of records;
(d) the timing, form and manner of transfer of records to the Keeper of Public Records under section 61A(7).
(2) The Secretary of State must by regulations confer on the Electoral Commission appropriate powers to monitor and enforce compliance with section 61A.
(3) In exercising functions relating to enforcement under this Part, the Electoral Commission must have regard to—
(a) the need for enforcement to be effective, proportionate and dissuasive, and
(b) the desirability, except where the seriousness or deliberate nature of a failure justifies otherwise, of securing compliance through remedial action before imposing a financial penalty.
(4) The Electoral Commission must prepare and publish guidance for relevant providers about compliance with this Part.
(5) Before making regulations under this Part the Secretary of State must consult the Electoral Commission, the Office of Communications and the Information Commissioner.
(6) Section 60 applies to regulations under this Part as it applies to regulations under Part 6.””

None 283

Clause 90, page 127, line 35, at end insert—
“(za) section (Referendum on extension of right to vote to 16 and 17 year olds) (referendum on extension of right to vote to 16 and 17 year olds);”

This amendment is consequential on other amendments in the name of Lord Udny-Lister.

None 290

Clause 90, page 127, line 40, at end insert—
“(ba) section (Assessment of susceptibility of 16 and 17 year olds to election-related disinformation and foreign interference) (assessment of susceptibility of 16 and 17 year olds to election-related disinformation and foreign interference);”

This amendment is consequential on other amendments in the name of Lord Udny-Lister.

None 301

Clause 90, page 128, line 23, at end insert—
“(2A) A statutory instrument containing regulations under subsection (1) which bring section 1(2) (extension of right to vote) into force may not be made unless—
(a) a majority of votes have been cast in favour of lowering the voting age to 16 in a referendum held under section (Referendum on extension of right to vote to 16 and 17 year olds), and
(b) the duty under section (Assessment of susceptibility of 16 and 17 years old to election-related disinformation and foreign interference) has been discharged.”

This amendment seeks to ensure that the Government holds a referendum and publishes an assessment of susceptibility of 16 and 17 year olds to election-related disinformation and foreign interference before lowering the voting age to 16.

None 8

Clause 3, page 3, line 15, leave out “14” and insert “15”

This amendment provides for registration at age 15, rather than 14, as registration at 15 gives sufficient notice for young people to register to participate in elections.

None 9

After Clause 3, insert the following new Clause—
“Review: age of issuance of National Insurance numbers
Within six months of the day on which this Act is passed the Secretary of State must publish a review of whether the lowering of the age at which someone can register to vote to 14 years of age under section 3 requires regulation 9 of the Social Security (Crediting and Treatment of Contributions, and National Insurance Numbers) Regulations 2001 (S.I. 2001/769) to be amended such that National Insurance numbers can be issued from the age of 14.”

This amendment seek to probe whether the age at which a National Insurance number is automatically issued should be altered from 16 to 14 to accommodate the voter registration age being lowered to 16.

None 34

After Clause 16, insert the following new Clause—
“Age-appropriate election information
The Secretary of State or Electoral Commission must take steps to publish neutral and impartial information relating to the conduct of elections on social media channels, which is suitable for those who may be a “relevant child” under section 214A(2) of the Online Safety Act 2023 (power to require providers of internet services to prevent or restrict access by children to internet services), but who are registered to vote and may be under 16 years of age.”

This amendment seeks to ensure that politically impartial information is published suitable for 15 year olds who are registered to vote and who will have never voted before.

None 35

After Clause 16, insert the following new Clause—
“Duty of non-partisan election education
Schools and learning institutions must ensure that information given to anyone eligible to be registered to vote who is aged 18 or under about any election is neutral or politically balanced and not designed to favour one outcome or party over another.”

This amendment is intended to protect teachers and ensure learners aged 14 to 18 can make informed decisions about their vote.

None 36

After Clause 16, insert the following new Clause—
“Prohibition of election materials in educational establishments
No party-political posters, communications or current candidate leaflets related to an election may be displayed in a school or educational establishment attended by learners aged 18 or under except where used by a teacher to illustrate the conduct of the election and then only in a politically balanced manner.”

This amendment seeks to prevent educational establishments from being used for campaigning purposes outside structured classroom activities.

Opposition Amendment 37

After Clause 16, insert the following new Clause—
“Review: boundaries of electoral areas
The Secretary of State must, within six months of the day on which this Act is passed, lay a report before both Houses of Parliament that reviews what, if any, effect the extension of the right to vote to 16 and 17 year olds should have on the number and boundaries of electoral areas for the purpose of the election of councillors.”

None 256

After Clause 84, insert the following new Clause—
“Report on foreign financial influence and interference in UK elections
(1) The Secretary of State must, within 12 months of the day on which this Act is passed, publish a report on the impact of foreign financial influence and interference on the integrity of elections in the United Kingdom.
(2) The report under subsection (1) must review the extent of the following activities and their impact on voters—
(a) foreign-based social media companies amplifying electoral campaign material via algorithms, and
(b) donations made to registered parties, think tanks, lobbying firms and other regulated donees in the United Kingdom originating from—
(i) foreign governments,
(ii) companies or groups based outside the United Kingdom,
(iii) individuals with non-UK citizenship, and
(iv) grant-giving foundations based outside the United Kingdom.
(3) The report must also set out information about the nature of any campaigns receiving donations from those set out in subsection (2) including—
(a) the stated aims attached to any donations made, and
(b) any agreements between donees and organisations in receipt of such donations and the donors.
(4) The report published under subsection (1) must include any recommendations considered necessary to protect the integrity of United Kingdom elections.
(5) For the purposes of this section, “the integrity of United Kingdom elections” means the extent to which elections are considered to be free and fair, and have public confidence in their outcomes.”

This new clause requires the Government to publish a report on foreign electoral interference and influence and its impact on the integrity of elections in the United Kingdom.

None 257

After Clause 84, insert the following new Clause—
“Review of the impact of this Act on voting systems used at mayoral and police and crime commissioner elections
(1) Within 12 months of the day on which this Act is passed, the Secretary of State must review the impact of changes made by this Act on the suitability of the voting systems used for the election of—
(a) the Mayor of London, under Part I of Schedule 2 to the Greater London Authority Act 1999 (election of the mayor);
(b) a mayor elected under Schedule 2 to the Local Government Act 2000 (election of elected mayor);
(c) a police and crime commissioner elected under Chapter 6 of Part 1 of the Police Reform and Social Responsibility Act 2011 (police and crime commissioners: elections and vacancies).
(2) In particular the review must consider whether the provisions of this Act render a different voting system more suitable, including a simple majority system.”

This amendment seeks a review of the impact of this Act on the suitability of the voting system used for elections for the Mayor of London, other elected mayors, and Police and Crime Commissioners.

None 258

After Clause 84, insert the following new Clause—
“Offences for purposes of Part 5 of the Elections Act 2022: domestic abuse
(1) Schedule 9 to the Elections Act 2022 (offences for the purpose of Part 5) is amended as set out in subsection (2).
(2) After paragraph 52A (Online Safety Act 2023) insert—
“Domestic Abuse Act 2021
52B Any offence where the behaviour of the accused amounted to domestic abuse within the meaning of the Domestic Abuse Act 2021 (see section 1 of that Act).””

This new clause would add offences amounting to domestic abuse to the list of Schedule 9 offences for which provisions relating to hostility would apply.

None 260

After Clause 84, insert the following new Clause—
“Code of Conduct for Political Campaigning
(1) The Electoral Commission must prepare and publish a Code of Conduct for Political Campaigning (the “Campaign Code”).
(2) The Campaign Code must set out principles and guidance relating to political campaigning and must in particular include provisions relating to—
(a) honesty in political debate and reasonable efforts to not mislead voters, and
(b) the avoidance of intimidation, harassment or abusive conduct.
(3) In this section “political campaigning” means any conduct, communications or other activity which can reasonably be regarded as intended, directly or indirectly, to influence public support for, or opposition to—
(a) a registered political party,
(b) a candidate or prospective candidate at a general election, by-election, local election or mayoral election, or
(c) an outcome in a referendum.
(4) Before preparing or revising the Campaign Code in accordance with this section, the Electoral Commission must—
(a) publish proposals,
(b) consult with representatives of parties appointed to the Parliamentary Parties Panel in accordance with section 4 of the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000 (parliamentary parties panel), and
(c) consult such other persons as the Electoral Commission considers appropriate.
(5) The Electoral Commission may revise the Campaign Code from time to time, and subsections (2) to (4) apply to a revised Campaign Code as they apply to the original.
(6) The Electoral Commission must send the Campaign Code and each revision to the Secretary of State, who must lay a copy before Parliament.
(7) The Electoral Commission must publish the Campaign Code and each revision in such manner as the Electoral Commission may determine.
(8) This section applies in relation to elections and referendums for which provision may be made by an Act of the United Kingdom Parliament.”

This new clause would require the Electoral Commission to produce a code of conduct for political campaigning.

None 259

After Clause 84, insert the following new Clause—
“Disqualification orders for court orders relating to abuse or harassment
(1) The Elections Act 2022 is amended as follows.
(2) After section 30 (disqualification orders) insert—
“30A Disqualification orders in connection with court orders relating to abuse or harassment
(1) This section applies where—
(a) a person (“the perpetrator”) has a qualifying order made against them,
(b) the perpetrator was aged 18 or over when the order was made, and
(c) the court is satisfied beyond reasonable doubt that behaviour done to a person for whose protection the qualifying order is made is aggravated by hostility to a person falling within any of sections 32 to 34.
(2) For the purposes of subsection (1)(a), a qualifying order is—
(a) a domestic violence protection order,
(b) a non-molestation order, or
(c) a restraining order.
(3) The court must, when making a qualifying order, also make an order (a “disqualification order”) that the offender is disqualified, for the period in which the qualifying order is in force—
(a) for being nominated for election to a relevant elective office, and
(b) for being elected to or holding a relevant elective office.
(4) Subsection (2) does not apply where the court considers that there are particular circumstances relating to the qualifying order or to the perpetrator which would make it unjust in all the circumstances to make the order; and in such a case the court must state the reasons for not making the order.
(5) For the purposes of this section an offence is aggravated by hostility related to persons falling within any of sections 32 to 34 if—
(a) at the time the order was made, or immediately before or after, the offender demonstrated towards the person for whose protection the order was made, hostility based on the person being (or being presumed to be) a person falling within any of sections 32 to 34, or
(b) the abusive behaviour was motivated (wholly or partly) by hostility towards persons falling within any of those sections in their capacity as such.
(6) For the purposes of subsection (5) it is immaterial whether or not the perpetrator’s hostility is also based, to any extent, on any other factor not mentioned in that subsection.
(7) For the purpose of deciding whether to make a disqualification order the court may consider evidence led by the prosecution and the defence.
(8) It is immaterial whether evidence led in pursuance of subsection (7) would have been admissible in the proceedings in which the protection order was made.
(9) In this section—
“domestic violence protection order” has the meaning set out in section 27 of the Domestic Abuse Act 2021 (meaning of “domestic abuse protection order”);
“non-molestation order” has the meaning set out in section 42 of the Family Law Act 1996 (non-molestation orders);
“restraining order” has the meaning set out in Chapter 3 of Part 11 of the Sentencing Act 2020 (protection from harassment);
“presumed” means presumed by the offender.”
(3) In section 37 (interpretation of Part), in subsection (1) after “section 30” insert “or 30A”.”

This new clause would require courts to make a disqualifying order alongside court orders imposed to prevent abuse or harassment in cases where the hostility relates to a person protected under the Elections Act 2022.

None 261

After Clause 84, insert the following new Clause—
“Enforcement of the Code of Conduct for Political Campaigning
(1) Where the Electoral Commission considers that political campaigning is inconsistent with the Campaign Code established under section (Code of conduct for registered political parties), it may take such of the following steps as it considers reasonable and proportionate to remedy or prevent reoccurrence of any breach—
(a) issuing a notice to the person or political party responsible for the campaigning, requiring them to take steps to bring the campaigning into compliance with the Campaign Code,
(b) publishing a formal finding of non-compliance on its website,
(c) requiring the person or political party responsible to publish a correction, clarification or other statement where the Electoral Commission considers this appropriate,
(d) issuing a warning or other formal notice in respect of a breach,
(e) imposing a civil sanction in accordance with its powers under Schedule 19C to PPERA 2000 (civil sanctions), or
(f) in the case of a registered political party, taking such steps as are available to it under PPERA 2000 in relation to the party's registration.
(2) Where the Electoral Commission imposes a civil sanction under subsection (1)(e), it must publish a notice setting out—
(a) the nature of the breach,
(b) the sanction imposed, and
(c) the reasons for the sanction.
(3) A person on whom a civil sanction is imposed under subsection (1)(e) may appeal in accordance with paragraph 2 of Schedule 19C to PPERA 2000 (representations and appeals etc).
(4) In exercising its functions under subsection (1), the Electoral Commission must have due regard to the importance of protecting freedom of expression and open political debate.
(5) A failure to comply with the Campaign Code does not constitute a criminal offence.”

This new clause sets out enforcement mechanisms for the proposed code of conduct for political campaigning.

None 262

After Clause 84, insert the following new Clause—
“Code of conduct for registered political parties
(1) When a person is carrying out political campaigning, that person must have due regard to the Campaign Code established under section (Code of Conduct for Political Campaigning).
(2) A registered political party must prepare, publish and keep under review a code of conduct relating to its political campaigning.
(3) A code of conduct under subsection (2) must be consistent with the Campaign Code and must in particular include provisions relating to—
(a) honesty in political debate and reasonable efforts to not mislead voters, and
(b) the avoidance of intimidation, harassment or abusive conduct.”

This new clause requires political parties to have codes of conduct aligned with the proposed code of conduct for political campaigning.

Schedule 1, page 134, line 36, at end insert— “PART 3 CANVASS CONDUCTED IN ENGLAND BEFORE THE COMING INTO FORCE OF SECTION 3 Introduction 20 (1) This Part of this Schedule applies in relation to an annual canvass conducted under section 9D of RPA 1983 in the implementation period by an English registration officer. (2) The “implementation period” means the period beginning with the day on which this Act is passed and ending with the coming into force of section 3 of this Act. (3) In this Part of this Schedule— “English registration officer” means a registration officer appointed under section 8(2) of RPA 1983; “pre-commencement canvass” means a canvass described in sub-paragraph (1); “the RPR (E&W) 2001” means the Representation of the People (England and Wales) Regulations 2001 (S.I. 2001/341). Modification of the purpose of a pre-commencement canvass 21 (1) In relation to a pre-commencement canvass conducted by an English registration officer, section 9D of RPA 1983 (duty to conduct canvass in Great Britain) has effect as follows. (2) Subsection (2) has effect as if it provided that the purpose of the canvass included ascertaining the names, addresses and dates of birth of persons aged under 16 who will, as a result of section 4(4A) of RPA 1983 (inserted by section 3 of this Act), be entitled (on the coming into force of section 3 of this Act) to be registered in a register maintained by that officer. (3) But the power to make house to house inquiries under subsection (5) of section 9D does not include power to make inquiries for the purpose of the matter described in sub-paragraph (2). Youth detention accommodation: no duty to canvass 22 In relation to a pre-commencement canvass conducted by an English registration officer, nothing in section 9D of RPA 1983— (a) applies in relation to the registration of persons in respect of residence in youth detention accommodation as defined in section 248(1) of the Sentencing Code; (b) requires the officer to ascertain the names, addresses and dates of birth of persons resident in such accommodation. Design of canvass communications and form 23 The Electoral Commission must design a version of the communications and form described in regulation 32ZBG(1)(a) of the RPR (E&W) 2001 (canvass communications and forms: Electoral Commission duties) for use in England in relation to a pre-commencement canvass. 24 For that purpose, regulation 32ZBG has effect as if— (a) in paragraph (1) there were inserted after sub-paragraph (a)— “(aa) send the communications and form to the Secretary of State before the end of the period of 14 days beginning with the day on which the Representation of the People Act 2026 is passed;”; (b) paragraph (2) were omitted; (c) for paragraph (4)(d)(iii) there were substituted— “(iii) to provide the registration officer with the full name, date of birth and nationality of each person aged 14 or 15 who is residing at the address to which the communication relates;”; (d) for paragraph (5)(f) there were substituted— “(f) require the recipient to provide the full name, date of birth and nationality of each person aged 14 or 15 who is residing at the address to which the form is given.”; (e) after paragraph (5) there were inserted— “(6) The canvass communication B referred to in paragraph (1)(a)(iii) must require— (a) the occupier, or (b) if there is no occupier, or it is not reasonably practicable for the occupier to provide the required information, the person in charge of the premises, to provide the full name, date of birth and nationality of each person aged 14 or 15 who is residing at the address to which the communication relates.” Other modifications of RPR (E&W) 2001 25 The RPR (E&W) 2001 have effect in relation to a pre-commencement canvass with the modifications set out in paragraphs 26 to 29. 26 Regulation 32ZBA (annual canvass) has effect as if in paragraph (6), after “an address” there were inserted “, or that a person aged 14 or 15 may reside at an address,”. 27 Regulation 32ZBD (canvass where changes to register are likely to be required) has effect as if— (a) in paragraph (4), for “to (9)” there were substituted “to (9ZA)”; (b) after paragraph (9) there were inserted— “(9ZA) A registration officer may not visit an address in order to speak to a person aged under 16.”; (c) in paragraph (10)— (i) in the definition of “canvass form” and “paper communication”, after “designed” there were inserted “for use in relation to a pre-commencement canvass”; (ii) after the definition of “paper communication” there were inserted— ““pre-commencement canvass” has the meaning given by paragraph 20 of Schedule 1 to the Representation of the People Act 2026.” 28 Regulation 32ZBE (canvass where changes to register are unlikely to be required) has effect as if— (a) in paragraph (4), at the end there were inserted “; and (c) provide to the registration officer the full name, date of birth and nationality of each person aged 14 or 15 who is residing at the address.”; (b) after paragraph (7) there were inserted— “(7A) If, after complying with the requirements of paragraphs (3) to (6), a registration officer— (a) has reason to believe that a person aged 14 or 15 may reside at the address, and (b) is not aware of that person’s full name, date of birth or nationality, the officer must conduct the annual canvass in accordance with regulation 32ZBD in respect of the address.”; (c) in paragraph (8), after “designed” there were inserted “for use in relation to a pre-commencement canvass”; (d) after paragraph (8) there were inserted— “(9) In this regulation, “pre-commencement canvass” has the meaning given by paragraph 20 of Schedule 1 to the Representation of the People Act 2026.” 29 Regulation 32ZBF (canvass in respect of particular types of property) has effect as if— (a) in paragraph (4), for “paragraph (5) or” there were substituted “paragraphs (5) and (5ZA) or paragraph”; (b) after paragraph (5) there were inserted— “(5ZA) The registration officer must attempt to make contact with the responsible person and must request the full name, nationality and date of birth of each person aged 14 or 15 who is residing at that property.”; (c) in paragraph (6)— (i) for “paragraph (5) or” there were substituted “paragraphs (5) and (5ZA) or paragraph”; (ii) after “appropriate” there were inserted “(subject to paragraph (6A))”; (d) after paragraph (6) there were inserted— “(6A) A registration officer may not visit the property in order to speak to a person aged under 16.”; (e) in paragraph (7), for “paragraph (5) or” there were substituted “paragraphs (5) and (5ZA) or paragraph”; (f) in paragraph (8), for “paragraph (5) or” there were substituted “paragraphs (5) and (5ZA) or paragraph”. Retention of information 30 (1) Where an English registration officer obtains personal information relating to a person aged 14 or 15 when conducting a pre-commencement canvass, the officer may retain that information until the end of the specified day. (2) The “specified day” is the earliest of— (a) the last day of the period of 6 months beginning with the day on which section 3 of this Act is commenced, (b) the day on which the registration officer receives from the person an application made under section 10ZC of RPA 1983 for registration in a register maintained by the officer, and (c) the day on which the registration officer gives the person an invitation to apply for registration under section 9E(1) of RPA 1983. (3) Nothing in this paragraph affects the ability of the registration officer to otherwise lawfully retain the information described in sub-paragraph (1) after the specified day. (4) In this paragraph, “personal information” means a person’s name, address, email address, telephone number, date of birth or nationality.”

Clause 7, page 10, line 23, leave out subsection (4)

Clause 7, page 11, line 29, leave out subsection (5)

Clause 8, page 12, line 29, leave out subsection (7)

Clause 14, page 20, line 21, leave out subsection (2)

Clause 14, page 20, line 37, leave out subsection (6)

After Clause 16, insert the following new Clause— “Registration of voters: review of electoral arrangements (1) Following the publication of a report under section 24, and before 31 October 2031, the Secretary of State must arrange for an independent review of the impact that the registration of voters without an application, as under section 17, could have on the number and boundaries of parliamentary constituencies. (2) A report must be prepared following an independent review under subsection (1) and a copy provided to the Secretary of State.”

Lord Hayward gives notice of his intention to oppose the Question that Clause 18 stand part of the Bill.

Lord Hayward gives notice of his intention to oppose the Question that Clause 19 stand part of the Bill.

Lord Hayward gives notice of his intention to oppose the Question that Clause 20 stand part of the Bill.

Lord Hayward gives notice of his intention to oppose the Question that Clause 21 stand part of the Bill.

Lord Hayward gives notice of his intention to oppose the Question that Clause 22 stand part of the Bill.

Lord Hayward gives notice of his intention to oppose the Question that Clause 23 stand part of the Bill.

Lord Hayward gives notice of his intention to oppose the Question that Clause 24 stand part of the Bill.

Lord Hayward gives notice of his intention to oppose the Question that Clause 25 stand part of the Bill.

Lord Hayward gives notice of his intention to oppose the Question that Clause 32 stand part of the Bill.

Lord Hayward gives notice of his intention to oppose the Question that Clause 21 stand part of the Bill.

Lord Hayward gives notice of his intention to oppose the Question that Clause 22 stand part of the Bill.

Lord Hayward gives notice of his intention to oppose the Question that Clause 23 stand part of the Bill.

Lord Hayward gives notice of his intention to oppose the Question that Clause 24 stand part of the Bill.

Lord Hayward gives notice of his intention to oppose the Question that Clause 25 stand part of the Bill.

Lord Hayward gives notice of his intention to oppose the Question that Clause 32 stand part of the Bill.

Lord Hayward gives notice of his intention to oppose the Question that Clause 39 stand part of the Bill.

Lord Hayward gives notice of his intention to oppose the Question that Clause 40 stand part of the Bill.

After Clause 40, insert the following new Clause— “Payments by and to returning officers: repeal of proposed transfer of functions (1) Omit— (a) paragraph 6(3) of Schedule 21 to PPERA 2000 (which amends section 29 of RPA 1983 (payments by and to returning officers)), and (b) paragraph 7 of that Schedule (which amends regulations which modify section 29 of RPA 1983). (2) The powers to make regulations conferred by the amendments made by those paragraphs are to be treated as never having been in force (despite section 163(3)(d) of PPERA 2000). (3) In consequence of subsection (1), omit the following— (a) paragraph 6(7)(a) of Schedule 21 to PPERA 2000; (b) paragraph 107 of Schedule 1 to the Electoral Administration Act 2006; (c) section 18(3) of the Electoral Registration and Administration Act 2013.”

After Clause 40, insert the following new Clause— “Polling day report (1) Returning officers must require presiding officers to submit a report when an election official or a police officer has had to intervene in the normal running of a relevant election at a polling station. (2) An intervention under subsection (1) includes possible or attempted breaches of ballot secrecy and voter harassment. (3) Under this section “relevant election” means a parliamentary or local government election.”

Clause 47, page 59, line 14, at end insert— “(A1) Schedule 5 to the Electoral Law Act (Northern Ireland) 1962 (c. 14 (N.I.)) (local elections rules) is amended as set out in subsections (1) and (1A).”

Clause 47, page 59, line 15, leave out from “34” to “procedure” in line 16 and insert “(voting”

Clause 47, page 59, line 21, at end insert— “(1A) In rule 41 (procedure on close of poll), in paragraph (1)(da) (completed corresponding number lists), for “rule 16A including the part that was” substitute “rule 26(3)(e) that were”.”

Clause 47, page 60, line 10, after “subsections” insert “(1A),”

Lord Hayward gives notice of his intention to oppose the Question that Clause 51 stand part of the Bill.

Lord Hayward gives notice of his intention to oppose the Question that Clause 52 stand part of the Bill.

After Clause 54, insert the following new Clause— “Review of undue influence offences (1) The Secretary of State must, within 12 months of the day on which this Act is passed, and at intervals of no more than five years afterwards, review the operation and effectiveness of— (a) section 114A of the Representation of the People Act 1983 (undue influence), in particular section 114A(4)(e) (spiritual injury and undue spiritual pressure), and (b) section 115 of that Act, insofar as it continues to apply. (2) A review under subsection (1) must consider— (a) the number and outcome of prosecutions, election petitions and investigations relying on those provisions; (b) whether the provisions are sufficiently clear to candidates, campaigners, religious leaders and voters; (c) whether the provisions are compatible with freedom of religion and expression under Articles 9 and 10 of the European Convention on Human Rights; (d) whether the provisions should be retained, amended or repealed. (3) In carrying out a review, the Secretary of State must consult the Electoral Commission, the Law Commission, the Crown Prosecution Service, the police, and representatives of faith communities. (4) The Secretary of State must lay a report of each review before Parliament within three months of its completion.”

Clause 55, page 66, leave out lines 26 to 39 and insert— “(6) A public notice given under subsection (3) must not give the home address of an election agent. (7) Where the address declared under subsection (3) is, or is at, the election agent’s home, the declaration must also state a correspondence address for the agent which may be an email address or other digital address, provided such an email address or other digital address is regularly monitored by the election agent. (8) Nothing in subsections (6) to (7)— (a) affects the duty under subsection (3) to declare the name and address of the election agent to the appropriate officer, or (b) affects the validity of the service of any claim, notice, writ, summons or other document at an address so declared.”

After Clause 59, insert the following new Clause— “Publication of donations to candidates In section 81 of RPA 1983 (return as to election expenses), after subsection (3) insert— “(3ZA) In respect of every candidate the Electoral Commission must collect the information in subsection (3)(e) from each appropriate officer and arrange for publication of that information.””

Clause 61, page 70, line 35, at end insert— “55B Cryptoassets Moratorium (1) The following provisions have effect for the purposes of this Part. (2) The Secretary of State must, before the end of the period of 12 months beginning with the day on which section 55A comes into force, and subsequently at intervals of not more than 12 months for as long as section 55A remains in force, review the operation and effect of such provisions. (3) Following a review under subsection (2), the Secretary of State must, after having consulted the Commission, consider whether the conditions in subsection (6) have been met and whether an order under subsection (5) should be made. (4) The Secretary of State must publish a report of the review and lay a copy of that report before each House of Parliament. (5) The Secretary of State may by order, repeal or amend section 55A and such other sections of this Act as are required so as to permit donations made by a permissible donor using cryptoassets or using particular categories of cryptoasset, but an order under this subsection may not be made unless— (a) the Commission has issued guidance approved by the Secretary of State on the application of this Act to donations consisting of or made by means of cryptoassets (in particular as to the steps necessary for a political party to be satisfied of the identity of the donor of a cryptoasset donation and the valuation of that donation), and (b) the conditions at subsection (6) have been met. (6) The conditions referred to at subsection (5)(b) are that— (a) the guidance under subsection (5)(a) and the regulatory framework for cryptoasset providers and transactions in the United Kingdom, including identity verification and traceability requirements, adequately mitigates the risks that led to enactment of section 55A; (b) the Commission has certified in such form as it considers appropriate that it is satisfied that the condition in paragraph (a) is met and it has the powers, capacity and operational frameworks to enforce its guidance and a copy of that certificate has been laid before each House of Parliament. (7) An order under subsection (5) must be made by statutory instrument and is not to be made unless a draft of the instrument has been laid before and approved by a resolution of each House. (8) The Commission may from time-to-time update and, or replace the guidance at subsection (5)(a) as it considers necessary for the conditions at subsection (6) to continue to be met.”

Clause 65, page 95, line 20, after “party” insert “, any other party, any regulated donee (within the meaning of Schedule 7) or any candidate (see Schedule 2A to the Representation of the People Act 1983)”

Clause 65, page 95, line 34, after “party” insert “, any other party, any regulated donee (within the meaning of Schedule 7) or any candidate (see Schedule 2A to the Representation of the People Act 1983)”

After Clause 71, insert the following new Clause— “Trade union donations funded by members who have opted in (1) PPERA 2000 is amended as follows. (2) After section 54 (permissible donors) insert— “54A Trade union donations: requirement for member consent (1) A registered party, recognised third party, regulated donee or permitted participant must not accept a relevant donation from a trade union unless the donation is funded solely by contributions from members who have given express consent to contribute to the union’s political fund. (2) For the purposes of subsection (1), a member has given express consent only if the member has taken a separate, affirmative step to agree to make contributions to the political fund. (3) Consent must not be inferred from— (a) a member’s silence or failure to respond to a request for consent, (b) continued membership of the trade union, or (c) the payment of a general trade union subscription, unless the member has separately and expressly agreed that a specified part of that subscription is to be paid into the political fund. (4) A donation is not eligible for acceptance under subsection (1) unless the trade union has given the recipient a certificate stating that the donation is funded in accordance with that subsection. (5) A trade union giving a certificate under subsection (4) must retain records sufficient to demonstrate the basis on which the certificate was given and provide those records to the Electoral Commission on request. (6) The Electoral Commission may issue guidance about the form of a certificate and the records required under subsection (5). (7) A donation accepted in breach of this section is to be treated for the purposes of this Part as a donation from an impermissible donor.””

After Clause 71, insert the following new Clause— “Variation of specified sums or percentages: changes in the value of money (1) Section 155 of PPERA 2000 (power to vary specified sums or percentages) is amended as follows. (2) After subsection (1A) insert— “(1B) In each financial year the Secretary of State must make an order under subsection (1) in relation to sums relating to campaign expenditure, pursuant to section 79 and Schedule 9, to reflect changes in the value of money, by reference to the Consumer Price Index for the month of September in that financial year.””

After Clause 71, insert the following new Clause— “Review of donations from UK-based mega-donors (1) The Secretary of State must, within one month of the day on which this Act is passed, establish a cross-departmental task and finish team (the “Team”) to review the influence of large donations made by donors based in the United Kingdom to political parties. (2) The Team must examine and make recommendations on— (a) how a “mega-donor” should be defined for the purposes of regulation, including by reference to the size, frequency and aggregate value of donations made by a donor and by persons connected with that donor, (b) whether, and at what level, a cap should be imposed on the total value of donations that a person may make in a calendar year to a political party, regulated donee or recognised third party, (c) how any cap should apply to donations made through companies, trusts, unincorporated associations, trade unions, loans, non-cash donations and donations in cryptoassets, so that it cannot be avoided through connected persons or intermediaries, (d) the effect of any cap on the funding of political parties, (e) the enforcement and oversight of any new restrictions on large donations, including the role and powers of the Electoral Commission, and (f) how any proposed measures could be implemented in time to take effect before the next general election. (3) The Team may consult the Electoral Commission, the Ethics and Integrity Commission, registered political parties and any other such persons as it considers appropriate. (4) The Team must be chaired by the Minister responsible for democracy and include representatives of— (a) the Cabinet Office, (b) the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, (c) His Majesty’s Treasury, and (d) such other departments as may be appropriate. (5) The Team must report to the Secretary of State within six months of the day on which it is established. (6) The Secretary of State must lay the report before Parliament within 14 days of receiving it. (7) The Secretary of State must, within two months of laying the report, lay before Parliament a statement setting out the Government’s response, including whether it intends to bring forward legislation to give effect to the Team’s recommendations and, if so, when.”

After Clause 71, insert the following new Clause— “Annual spending limits In Schedule 9 to PPERA (limits on campaign expenditure), leave out paragraph 3(7) and insert— “(7) For the purposes of this paragraph the relevant period is each calendar year.””

Clause 89, page 126, line 26, at end insert— “(ai) section (Payments by and to returning officers: repeal of proposed transfer of functions)(1)(b);”

Clause 89, page 126, line 35, at end insert— “(iv) paragraphs 23 to 29 of Schedule 1;”

Clause 90, page 128, line 15, at end insert— “(ja) Part 3 of Schedule 1 (canvass conducted in England before the coming into force of section 3);”

Clause 90, page 128, line 23, at end insert— “(l) sections 6 and 49 so far as they relate to the provisions of Schedules 1 and 3 mentioned in paragraphs (ja) and (k).”

None 4

After Clause 1, insert the following new Clause—
“Referendum on extension of right to vote to 16 and 17 year olds
(1) A referendum on lowering the voting age to 16 years old for elections to the House of Commons must be held within two years of the day on which this Act is passed.
(2) The Secretary of State must make regulations by statutory instrument providing for the referendum, including its conduct, franchise and question, following consultation with the Electoral Commission.
(3) A statutory instrument containing regulations under this section may not be made unless a draft of the instrument has been laid before, and approved by a resolution of, each House of Parliament.”

This amendment would seek to make the Government hold a referendum on lowering the voting age to 16.

None 33

After Clause 16, insert the following new Clause—
“Assessment of susceptibility of 16 and 17 years old to election-related disinformation and foreign interference
(1) Within eight months of the day on which this Act is passed, the Secretary of State must publish an assessment of the susceptibility of persons aged 16 and 17 to election-related foreign interference and electoral disinformation.
(2) The Secretary of State must lay the assessment before both Houses of Parliament.”

This amendment would require the Secretary of State to conduct an assessment of the susceptibility of 16 and 17 year olds to foreign interference and electoral disinformation.

None 59

After Clause 19, insert the following new Clause—
“Duty to implement automated voter registration
(1) The Secretary of State must implement a system for automated voter registration by 31 October 2028.
(2) Implementation must, as a minimum, be based on use of the HM Passport Office (HMPO) and National Insurance number systems.
(3) The HMPO systems must be modified to ensure—
(a) an initial version of the HMPO database is exported to electoral registration officers to enable those officers to identify, validate and register voters;
(b) updates to the HMPO database are exported on a monthly basis to electoral registration officers to enable those officers to identify, validate and register voters.
(4) The National Insurance number systems must be modified to ensure—
(a) an initial version of the National Insurance number database is exported to electoral registration officers to enable those officers to identify, validate and register voters;
(b) updates to the National Insurance number database are exported on a monthly basis to electoral registration officers those officers to identify, validate and register new voters.”

This new clause would place a duty on the Secretary of State to implement automated voter registration by 31st October 2028 based, as a minimum, on using the HMPO and National Insurance number systems.

None 60

After Clause 19, insert the following new Clause—
“Registration without application: checks for multiple registration
(1) This section applies where a registration officer proposes to register a person, or to alter a person's entry, in a register of electors without an application, under this Act or regulations made under it.
(2) Before making the entry or alteration, the registration officer must take reasonable steps to establish whether the person is already registered in respect of another address, whether in the officer's own registration area or in another.
(3) In complying with subsection (2), the registration officer must check the person's details against—
(a) the registers held by that officer,
(b) information made available to that officer under this Act, and
(c) any data-matching service that the Electoral Commission has recommended for this purpose.
(4) Where the check identifies a possible duplicate entry, the registration officer must—
(a) notify the person in writing and invite them to confirm their qualifying address,
(b) notify the registration officer for the other address, who must respond within 10 working days of receipt, and
(c) not make the entry or alteration until satisfied that no unlawful duplication would result.
(5) Each registration officer must, at least once in each 12 month period and before each parliamentary election or referendum, check the entries of electors registered without application against those of other electors, and must investigate any possible duplicate entry identified.
(6) Where a registration officer has reasonable grounds to suspect that an offence of voting more than once has been or may be committed, the officer may refer the matter to the relevant police force.
(7) The Electoral Commission must issue guidance on the exercise of functions under this section, and registration officers must have regard to it.
(8) The Electoral Commission must include in its annual report the number of possible duplicate entries identified and resolved under this section in the period covered.
(9) Nothing in this section authorises processing of personal data in contravention of data protection legislation.”

This new clause seeks to require registration officers to check for duplicate registrations before and after adding people to the register without application, so that automatic registration does not weaken the integrity of the register.

None 62

Clause 20, page 33, line 3, at end insert—
“(6) Pilots under this section that test section 17 provisions may only apply to British citizens.”

This amendment seeks to limit the pilot of registration without application to British citizens.

None 64

Clause 34, page 43, line 2, leave out “5 p.m.” and insert “11.59 p.m.”

This amendment, and a consequential amendment in the name of Lord Rennard, seeks to probe why 5 p.m. has been chosen as the deadline for registering to vote.

None 65

Clause 34, page 43, line 17, leave out “5 p.m.” and insert “11.59 p.m.”

This is consequential on Lord Rennard’s amendment to Clause 34, page 43, line 2.

Baroness Coffey gives notice of her intention to oppose the Question that Clause 36 stand part of the Bill.

This opposition to Clause 36 seeks to probe why date of birth is being substituted with month and year of birth on electoral identity cards in Northern Ireland.

None 93

Clause 48, page 61, line 1, at end insert—
“(IJZA) A document referred to in paragraph (1H)(m) may only be used as a specified document if the holder of a document under that paragraph has undergone a credit check in applying for that document.”

This amendment requires a credit check when a bank card is used to identify a voter.

Clause 3, page 3, line 15, leave out “14” and insert “15”

After Clause 3, insert the following new Clause— “Review: age of issuance of National Insurance numbers Within six months of the day on which this Act is passed the Secretary of State must publish a review of whether the lowering of the age at which someone can register to vote to 14 years of age under section 3 requires regulation 9 of the Social Security (Crediting and Treatment of Contributions, and National Insurance Numbers) Regulations 2001 (S.I. 2001/769) to be amended such that National Insurance numbers can be issued from the age of 14.”

After Clause 16, insert the following new Clause— “Age-appropriate election information The Secretary of State or Electoral Commission must take steps to publish neutral and impartial information relating to the conduct of elections on social media channels, which is suitable for those who may be a “relevant child” under section 214A(2) of the Online Safety Act 2023 (power to require providers of internet services to prevent or restrict access by children to internet services), but who are registered to vote and may be under 16 years of age.”

After Clause 16, insert the following new Clause— “Duty of non-partisan election education Schools and learning institutions must ensure that information given to anyone eligible to be registered to vote who is aged 18 or under about any election is neutral or politically balanced and not designed to favour one outcome or party over another.”

After Clause 16, insert the following new Clause— “Prohibition of election materials in educational establishments No party-political posters, communications or current candidate leaflets related to an election may be displayed in a school or educational establishment attended by learners aged 18 or under except where used by a teacher to illustrate the conduct of the election and then only in a politically balanced manner.”

After Clause 16, insert the following new Clause— “Review: boundaries of electoral areas The Secretary of State must, within six months of the day on which this Act is passed, lay a report before both Houses of Parliament that reviews what, if any, effect the extension of the right to vote to 16 and 17 year olds should have on the number and boundaries of electoral areas for the purpose of the election of councillors.”

After Clause 38, insert the following new Clause— “Voter registration: unique identification number (1) The Secretary of State must make regulations by statutory instrument to ensure that when an individual registers to vote, that registration is assigned a single unique identification number. (2) The unique identification number set out in regulations under in subsection (1) may be— (a) a Government Gateway user ID, (b) a passport number, (c) a National Insurance number, or (d) any other appropriate number as set out in regulations. (3) The regulations must set out that— (a) the unique identification number assigned under subsection (2) is stored in the confidential part of the electoral register alongside the details of each individual voter, (b) before and after any election an election officer may access all unique identification numbers in order to identify duplicate registrations and votes, and (c) following any election, the Electoral Commission may request information from election officers about how many and which voters have cast ballots on more than one occasion by reference to the unique identification number. (4) A statutory instrument containing regulations under this section may not be made unless a draft of the instrument has been laid before, and approved by a resolution of, each House of Parliament.”

Clause 50, page 63, line 7, at end insert- "(g) those electors who may have voted more than once; (h) those electors who may have registered or been registered to vote more than once."

After Clause 55, insert the following new Clause- "Removal of requirement to publish candidates' addresses (1) Schedule 1 to RPA 1983 is amended as set out in subsections (2) and (3). (2) In rule 6 (nomination of candidates), omit paragraphs (5) and (6). (3) In rule 14 (publication of statement of persons nominated) - (a) for paragraph (2) substitute- "(2) For each person who has been nominated, the statement shall show- (a) the name, (b) where the candidate's home address is in the United Kingdom, the constituency or the relevant area within which that address is situated, (c) where the candidate's home address is outside the United Kingdom, the country within which that address is situated, and (d) the names of the persons subscribing those papers."; (b) after paragraph (2) insert - "(2ZA) In paragraph (2), "relevant area" means - (a) in relation to a home address in England - (i) if the address is within a district for which there is a district council, that district; (ii) if the address is within a county in which there are no districts with councils, that county; (iii) if the address is within a London borough, that London borough; (iv) if the address is within the City of London (including the Inner and Middle Temples), the City of London; (v) if the address is within the Isles of Scilly, the Isles of Scilly; (b) in relation to a home address in Wales - (i) if the address is within a county, that county; (ii) if the address is within a county borough, that county borough; (c) in relation to a home address in Scotland, the local government area in which the address is situated; (d) in relation to a home address in Northern Ireland, the local government district in which the address is situated."; (c) omit paragraph (3A). (4) In rule 14A (correction of minor errors), omit subparagraph (2)(c)."

After Clause 84, insert the following new Clause- “Report on foreign financial influence and interference in UK elections (1) The Secretary of State must, within 12 months of the day on which this Act is passed, publish a report on the impact of foreign financial influence and interference on the integrity of elections in the United Kingdom. (2) The report under subsection (1) must review the extent of the following activities and their impact on voters— (a) foreign-based social media companies amplifying electoral campaign material via algorithms, and (b) donations made to registered parties, think tanks, lobbying firms and other regulated donees in the United Kingdom originating from— (i) foreign governments, (ii) companies or groups based outside the United Kingdom, (iii) individuals with non-UK citizenship, and (iv) grant-giving foundations based outside the United Kingdom. (3) The report must also set out information about the nature of any campaigns receiving donations from those set out in subsection (2) including— (a) the stated aims attached to any donations made, and (b) any agreements between donees and organisations in receipt of such donations and the donors. (4) The report published under subsection (1) must include any recommendations considered necessary to protect the integrity of United Kingdom elections. (5) For the purposes of this section, “the integrity of United Kingdom elections” means the extent to which elections are considered to be free and fair, and have public confidence in their outcomes.”

After Clause 84, insert the following new Clause- “Review of the impact of this Act on voting systems used at mayoral and police and crime commissioner elections (1) Within 12 months of the day on which this Act is passed, the Secretary of State must review the impact of changes made by this Act on the suitability of the voting systems used for the election of— (a) the Mayor of London, under Part I of Schedule 2 to the Greater London Authority Act 1999 (election of the mayor); (b) a mayor elected under Schedule 2 to the Local Government Act 2000 (election of elected mayor); (c) a police and crime commissioner elected under Chapter 6 of Part 1 of the Police Reform and Social Responsibility Act 2011 (police and crime commissioners: elections and vacancies). (2) In particular the review must consider whether the provisions of this Act render a different voting system more suitable, including a simple majority system.”

After Clause 84, insert the following new Clause- “Offences for purposes of Part 5 of the Elections Act 2022: domestic abuse (1) Schedule 9 to the Elections Act 2022 (offences for the purpose of Part 5) is amended as set out in subsection (2). (2) After paragraph 52A (Online Safety Act 2023) insert— “Domestic Abuse Act 2021 52B Any offence where the behaviour of the accused amounted to domestic abuse within the meaning of the Domestic Abuse Act 2021 (see section 1 of that Act).””

After Clause 84, insert the following new Clause- “Code of Conduct for Political Campaigning (1) The Electoral Commission must prepare and publish a Code of Conduct for Political Campaigning (the “Campaign Code”). (2) The Campaign Code must set out principles and guidance relating to political campaigning and must in particular include provisions relating to— (a) honesty in political debate and reasonable efforts to not mislead voters, and (b) the avoidance of intimidation, harassment or abusive conduct. (3) In this section “political campaigning” means any conduct, communications or other activity which can reasonably be regarded as intended, directly or indirectly, to influence public support for, or opposition to— (a) a registered political party, (b) a candidate or prospective candidate at a general election, by-election, local election or mayoral election, or (c) an outcome in a referendum. (4) Before preparing or revising the Campaign Code in accordance with this section, the Electoral Commission must— (a) publish proposals, (b) consult with representatives of parties appointed to the Parliamentary Parties Panel in accordance with section 4 of the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000 (parliamentary parties panel), and (c) consult such other persons as the Electoral Commission considers appropriate. (5) The Electoral Commission may revise the Campaign Code from time to time, and subsections (2) to (4) apply to a revised Campaign Code as they apply to the original. (6) The Electoral Commission must send the Campaign Code and each revision to the Secretary of State, who must lay a copy before Parliament. (7) The Electoral Commission must publish the Campaign Code and each revision in such manner as the Electoral Commission may determine. (8) This section applies in relation to elections and referendums for which provision may be made by an Act of the United Kingdom Parliament.”

After Clause 84, insert the following new Clause- “Disqualification orders for court orders relating to abuse or harassment (1) The Elections Act 2022 is amended as follows. (2) After section 30 (disqualification orders) insert— “30A Disqualification orders in connection with court orders relating to abuse or harassment (1) This section applies where— (a) a person (“the perpetrator”) has a qualifying order made against them, (b) the perpetrator was aged 18 or over when the order was made, and (c) the court is satisfied beyond reasonable doubt that behaviour done to a person for whose protection the qualifying order is made is aggravated by hostility to a person falling within any of sections 32 to 34. (2) For the purposes of subsection (1)(a), a qualifying order is— (a) a domestic violence protection order, (b) a non-molestation order, or (c) a restraining order. (3) The court must, when making a qualifying order, also make an order (a “disqualification order”) that the offender is disqualified, for the period in which the qualifying order is in force— (a) for being nominated for election to a relevant elective office, and (b) for being elected to or holding a relevant elective office. (4) Subsection (2) does not apply where the court considers that there are particular circumstances relating to the qualifying order or to the perpetrator which would make it unjust in all the circumstances to make the order; and in such a case the court must state the reasons for not making the order. (5) For the purposes of this section an offence is aggravated by hostility related to persons falling within any of sections 32 to 34 if— (a) at the time the order was made, or immediately before or after, the offender demonstrated towards the person for whose protection the order was made, hostility based on the person being (or being presumed to be) a person falling within any of sections 32 to 34, or (b) the abusive behaviour was motivated (wholly or partly) by hostility towards persons falling within any of those sections in their capacity as such. (6) For the purposes of subsection (5) it is immaterial whether or not the perpetrator’s hostility is also based, to any extent, on any other factor not mentioned in that subsection. (7) For the purpose of deciding whether to make a disqualification order the court may consider evidence led by the prosecution and the defence. (8) It is immaterial whether evidence led in pursuance of subsection (7) would have been admissible in the proceedings in which the protection order was made. (9) In this section— “domestic violence protection order” has the meaning set out in section 27 of the Domestic Abuse Act 2021 (meaning of “domestic abuse protection order”); “non-molestation order” has the meaning set out in section 42 of the Family Law Act 1996 (non-molestation orders); “restraining order” has the meaning set out in Chapter 3 of Part 11 of the Sentencing Act 2020 (protection from harassment); “presumed” means presumed by the offender.” (3) In section 37 (interpretation of Part), in subsection (1) after “section 30” insert “or 30A”.”

After Clause 84, insert the following new Clause- “Enforcement of the Code of Conduct for Political Campaigning (1) Where the Electoral Commission considers that political campaigning is inconsistent with the Campaign Code established under section (Code of conduct for registered political parties), it may take such of the following steps as it considers reasonable and proportionate to remedy or prevent reoccurrence of any breach— (a) issuing a notice to the person or political party responsible for the campaigning, requiring them to take steps to bring the campaigning into compliance with the Campaign Code, (b) publishing a formal finding of non-compliance on its website, (c) requiring the person or political party responsible to publish a correction, clarification or other statement where the Electoral Commission considers this appropriate, (d) issuing a warning or other formal notice in respect of a breach, (e) imposing a civil sanction in accordance with its powers under Schedule 19C to PPERA 2000 (civil sanctions), or (f) in the case of a registered political party, taking such steps as are available to it under PPERA 2000 in relation to the party’s registration. (2) Where the Electoral Commission imposes a civil sanction under subsection (1)(e), it must publish a notice setting out— (a) the nature of the breach, (b) the sanction imposed, and (c) the reasons for the sanction. (3) A person on whom a civil sanction is imposed under subsection (1)(e) may appeal in accordance with paragraph 2 of Schedule 19C to PPERA 2000 (representations and appeals etc). (4) In exercising its functions under subsection (1), the Electoral Commission must have due regard to the importance of protecting freedom of expression and open political debate. (5) A failure to comply with the Campaign Code does not constitute a criminal offence.”

After Clause 84, insert the following new Clause- “Code of conduct for registered political parties (1) When a person is carrying out political campaigning, that person must have due regard to the Campaign Code established under section (Code of Conduct for Political Campaigning). (2) A registered political party must prepare, publish and keep under review a code of conduct relating to its political campaigning. (3) A code of conduct under subsection (2) must be consistent with the Campaign Code and must in particular include provisions relating to— (a) honesty in political debate and reasonable efforts to not mislead voters, and (b) the avoidance of intimidation, harassment or abusive conduct.”

After Clause 84, insert the following new Clause- "Code of conduct for registered political parties (1) When a person is carrying out political campaigning, that person must have due regard to the Campaign Code established under section (Code of Conduct for Political Campaigning). (2) A registered political party must prepare, publish and keep under review a code of conduct relating to its political campaigning. (3) A code of conduct under subsection (2) must be consistent with the Campaign Code and must in particular include provisions relating to- (a) honesty in political debate and reasonable efforts to not mislead voters, and (b) the avoidance of intimidation, harassment or abusive conduct."

None 124

After Clause 54, insert the following new Clause—
“Commencement of counting at local elections
(1) The returning officer at a local election must make arrangements for the verification and counting of votes to commence on the day on which the poll is held.
(2) For the purposes of subsection (1), counting commences when the opening of ballot boxes and verification of ballot paper accounts begins.
(3) Subsection (1) does not apply where the returning officer, having consulted the Electoral Commission, determines that commencing the count on the day of the poll is not reasonably practicable because of—
(a) an emergency or other event beyond the returning officer's control, or
(b) a risk to the safety of persons involved in the count.
(4) A returning officer who makes a determination under subsection (3) must—
(a) record the reasons in writing,
(b) notify the Electoral Commission as soon as practicable, and
(c) commence the count at the earliest practicable time.
(5) Where elections for more than one local authority area or more than one office are held on the same day, the duty in subsection (1) applies to each election.
(6) The Electoral Commission must publish, within three months after each ordinary local election day, a report on the number of returning officers who relied on subsection (3) and the reasons given.
(7) The Secretary of State must by regulations make such consequential amendments to the rules made under section 36 of the Representation of the People Act 1983 (local elections in England) as are necessary to give effect to this section.
(8) In this section “local election” means—
(a) a local government election within the meaning of section 191, 203 or 204 of RPA 1983, or
(b) an election under Part 1A or 2 of the Local Government Act 2000 for the return of an elected mayor.
(9) Regulations under this section are to be made by statutory instrument and may not be made unless a draft of the instrument has been laid before and approved by a resolution of each House of Parliament.”

This new Clause requires counting at local elections to begin on polling day.

None 125

After Clause 54, insert the following new Clause—
“Power to pilot flexible voting
(1) The Secretary of State may by regulations make provision for flexible voting options.
(2) Regulations under this section (“pilot regulations”) may be made so as to have effect for a specified period.
(3) Pilot regulations must specify certain options with the objective of making voting quicker, more convenient and more accessible.
(4) Options under subsection (3) may include—
(a) voting in advance before the main polling day;
(b) voting at a transportable polling station;
(c) voting at alternative polling stations;
(d) voting at alternative locations to a polling station (voting hubs);
(e) voting on additional days to the main polling day.
(5) The Electoral Commission must report publicly on the regulations and whether they have met the objective in subsection (3).”

This amendment gives the Secretary of State the power to pilot flexible voting options.

None 173

After Clause 69, insert the following new Clause—
“Campaign assistance by trade unions treated as donations
(1) PPERA 2000 is amended as follows.
(2) In section 50 (donations for the purposes of Part 4), after subsection (2) insert—
“(2A) For the purposes of this Part, campaign assistance provided by a trade union to a registered party is a donation to that party by the trade union, whether or not it is provided in place of a gift of money.
(2B) In subsection (2A) "campaign assistance" means the provision, otherwise than on commercial terms, of services or facilities for the use or benefit of the party in connection with campaigning, including—
(a) the time of employees, officials or representatives of the union who are paid by, or released from other duties by, the union,
(b) canvassing, telephone banking, leafleting, voter registration and turnout activity organised or directed by the union,
(c) the use of premises, equipment, membership data or communications channels, and
(d) the production or distribution of campaign material.
(2C) Subsections (2A) and (2B) apply whether the assistance is provided directly or through a third person.”
(3) In section 52 (payments, services etc. not to be regarded as donations) at the end of subsection (1)(g) insert “, but this paragraph does not apply to services provided by a person as an employee, official or representative of a trade union, or in activity organised or directed by a trade union”.
(4) In section 53 (value of donations), after subsection (4) insert—
“(4A) The value of campaign assistance within section 50(2A) is the greater of its market value and the cost to the trade union of providing it, including remuneration, employer's costs, travel and materials.”
(5) In this section "trade union" has the meaning given by section 1 of the Trade Union and Labour Relations (Consolidation) Act 1992 (meaning of “trade union”).”

This new clause makes clear that campaign assistance in kind from a trade union is a donation, valued and reported like a cash donation, so the same transparency applies however support is given.

None 51

Clause 17, page 23, line 23, at end insert—
“(1A) A registration officer must not register a person, or alter a person's entry in a register, under this section unless that the person is a British citizen.
(1B) Subsection (1A) applies, in particular, to the registration of a person, or the alteration of a person’s entry in a register, who is—
(a) a citizen of a member State of the European Union (other than the United Kingdom), or
(b) a qualifying Commonwealth citizen within the meaning of section 4 of the Representation of the People Act 1983 (entitlement to be registered as parliamentary or local government elector).
(1C) Nothing in this section prevents a person falling within subsection (1B) from being registered following an application made by that person under section 10ZC or section 10A of the 1983 Act.”

This amendment, and another in the name of Lord Jackson of Peterborough, seek to limit registration without application to British citizens.

None 86

Clause 48, page 60, line 20, leave out sub-paragraph (ii)

This amendment seeks to retain the requirement for identification to contain a photograph to identify a voter.

None 88

Clause 48, page 60, line 28, leave out “or first initial”

This amendment would require a full name, not an initial, when a bank card is used to identify a voter.

None 89

Clause 48, page 60, line 31, at end insert—
“except corporate purchasing cards and pay as you go currency cards.”

This amendment probes whether corporate purchasing cards or pay as you go currency cards will be accepted as a form of voter identification.

None 91

Clause 48, page 60, line 31, at end insert—
“(2A) The Secretary of State must by regulations made by statutory instrument ensure a payment card or a cash withdrawal card used for the purposes set out in paragraph (1H)(m) of Rule 37 of Schedule 1 to RPA 1983 is marked to demonstrate voter eligibility.
(2B) A statutory instrument containing regulations under subsection (2A) may not be made unless a draft of the regulations has been laid before and approved by a resolution of each House of Parliament.”

This amendment would ensure eligible bank cards are marked so it is clear who meets the electoral requirements for voter identity.

None 112

Clause 50, page 63, line 7, at end insert—
“(g) the number of postal ballots—
(i) issued;
(ii) delivered before or on polling day;
(iii) delivered after polling day.
(h) when postal votes are provided and when postal votes expire.”

This amendment sets out additional information relating to postal votes that could be required to be provided under regulations made under clause 50.

None 127

After Clause 54, insert the following new Clause—
“Overseas voting: White Paper and draft legislation
(1) The Secretary of State must review the merits, feasibility and cost-effectiveness of enabling overseas electors to vote at parliamentary elections, including by-elections, at or through United Kingdom embassies, high commissions and consulates, and the most effective means of doing so.
(2) The review must also consider the feasibility of enabling a person registered to vote by post at a parliamentary election, who applied to do so because they would be outside the United Kingdom on polling day, to vote at or through a United Kingdom embassy, high commission or consulate in the country in which they are present.
(3) In conducting the review, the Secretary of State must—
(a) examine arrangements used by other countries, including the timing of voting, the transmission and counting of votes and the treatment of votes received after polling day,
(b) consider geographical coverage, accessibility, cost, staffing, security, ballot secrecy, prevention of double voting and any consent required from receiving States, and
(c) consult the Electoral Commission, the Chief Electoral Officer for Northern Ireland, persons representing electoral registration officers and returning officers in Great Britain, and persons representing overseas electors.
(4) Before the end of the period of 12 months beginning with the day on which this Act is passed, the Secretary of State must—
(a) publish and lay before both Houses of Parliament a White Paper setting out the conclusions of the review and the Government’s proposals concerning such voting arrangements, and
(b) where those proposals require legislation, publish draft legislation, for consultation, to give effect to them.
(5) The White Paper must give reasons for the Government’s proposals, if any, including an assessment of the likely benefits and costs.
(6) Where the White Paper proposes establishing such voting arrangements, it must specify the arrangements proposed, their geographical coverage, the resources required and a timetable for implementation.
(7) In this section, “overseas elector” means a person registered in a register of parliamentary electors pursuant to an overseas elector’s declaration under RPA 1985.”

This amendment and another in the name of Lord Frost require a review of voting through British diplomatic and consular posts, including for postal voters who will be abroad on polling day, and a White Paper within 12 months with draft legislation for consultation where required. The consequential amendment brings the review and publication duties into force on Royal Assent.

None 177

Clause 66, page 102, line 41, leave out paragraph (b)

This amendment is intended to draw attention to the DPRRC's recommendation concerning tertiary legislation contained in Clause 66 of the bill in their 12th report.

After Clause 1, insert the following new Clause— “Referendum on extension of right to vote to 16 and 17 year olds (1) A referendum on lowering the voting age to 16 years old for elections to the House of Commons must be held within two years of the day on which this Act is passed. (2) The Secretary of State must make regulations by statutory instrument providing for the referendum, including its conduct, franchise and question, following consultation with the Electoral Commission. (3) A statutory instrument containing regulations under this section may not be made unless a draft of the instrument has been laid before, and approved by a resolution of, each House of Parliament.”

After Clause 16, insert the following new Clause— “Assessment of susceptibility of 16 and 17 years old to election-related disinformation and foreign interference (1) Within eight months of the day on which this Act is passed, the Secretary of State must publish an assessment of the susceptibility of persons aged 16 and 17 to election-related foreign interference and electoral disinformation. (2) The Secretary of State must lay the assessment before both Houses of Parliament.”

After Clause 19, insert the following new Clause— “Duty to implement automated voter registration (1) The Secretary of State must implement a system for automated voter registration by 31 October 2028. (2) Implementation must, as a minimum, be based on use of the HM Passport Office (HMPO) and National Insurance number systems. (3) The HMPO systems must be modified to ensure— (a) an initial version of the HMPO database is exported to electoral registration officers to enable those officers to identify, validate and register voters; (b) updates to the HMPO database are exported on a monthly basis to electoral registration officers to enable those officers to identify, validate and register voters. (4) The National Insurance number systems must be modified to ensure— (a) an initial version of the National Insurance number database is exported to electoral registration officers to enable those officers to identify, validate and register voters; (b) updates to the National Insurance number database are exported on a monthly basis to electoral registration officers those officers to identify, validate and register new voters.”

After Clause 19, insert the following new Clause— “Registration without application: checks for multiple registration (1) This section applies where a registration officer proposes to register a person, or to alter a person’s entry, in a register of electors without an application, under this Act or regulations made under it. (2) Before making the entry or alteration, the registration officer must take reasonable steps to establish whether the person is already registered in respect of another address, whether in the officer’s own registration area or in another. (3) In complying with subsection (2), the registration officer must check the person’s details against— (a) the registers held by that officer, (b) information made available to that officer under this Act, and (c) any data-matching service that the Electoral Commission has recommended for this purpose. (4) Where the check identifies a possible duplicate entry, the registration officer must— (a) notify the person in writing and invite them to confirm their qualifying address, (b) notify the registration officer for the other address, who must respond within 10 working days of receipt, and (c) not make the entry or alteration until satisfied that no unlawful duplication would result. (5) Each registration officer must, at least once in each 12 month period and before each parliamentary election or referendum, check the entries of electors registered without application against those of other electors, and must investigate any possible duplicate entry identified. (6) Where a registration officer has reasonable grounds to suspect that an offence of voting more than once has been or may be committed, the officer may refer the matter to the relevant police force. (7) The Electoral Commission must issue guidance on the exercise of functions under this section, and registration officers must have regard to it. (8) The Electoral Commission must include in its annual report the number of possible duplicate entries identified and resolved under this section in the period covered. (9) Nothing in this section authorises processing of personal data in contravention of data protection legislation.”

Clause 20, page 33, line 3, at end insert— “(6) Pilots under this section that test section 17 provisions may only apply to British citizens.”

Clause 34, page 43, line 2, leave out “5 p.m.” and insert “11.59 p.m.”

Clause 34, page 43, line 17, leave out “5 p.m.” and insert “11.59 p.m.”

Baroness Coffey gives notice of her intention to oppose the Question that Clause 36 stand part of the Bill.

Clause 48, page 61, line 1, at end insert— “(IJZA) A document referred to in paragraph (1H)(m) may only be used as a specified document if the holder of a document under that paragraph has undergone a credit check in applying for that document.”

After Clause 48, insert the following new Clause— “Presiding officers: powers to challenge suspected personation (1) In Schedule 1 to the Representation of the People Act 1983 (parliamentary elections rules), after rule 37(1G) insert— “(1H) Where a presiding officer has reasonable grounds to suspect that a person applying for a ballot paper is committing or attempting to commit an offence under section 60 (personation), the presiding officer may, in addition to the questions in paragraph (1) of rule 35— (a) put such further questions relating to the entry in the register as the presiding officer considers necessary to establish whether the person is the elector named in it, (b) require the person to produce further evidence of identity or address, (c) require the person’s identity to be verified a second time, in private if the person asks, by a second member of polling station staff, (d) refuse to deliver a ballot paper if the person does not satisfy the presiding officer of their identity, and (e) request the attendance of a constable. (1I) Reasonable grounds under paragraph (1H) must rest on matters observed at the polling station or on information in the register and may not rest solely on a protected characteristic within section 4 of the Equality Act 2010, or on the person’s language, dress or accent. (1J) A presiding officer who exercises a power under paragraph (1H) must— (a) record the reasons in writing at the time, and (b) tell the person they may return before the close of the poll with further evidence of identity. (1K) A presiding officer who acts in good faith under this rule is not liable in civil proceedings for doing so.” (2) The Electoral Commission must issue a code of practice on the exercise of powers under rule 37(1H), and returning officers must ensure presiding officers are trained in it. (3) After each general election and each local or devolved election, returning officers must report to the Electoral Commission the number of challenges, refusals and referrals to police, and the Commission must publish a summary. (4) The Secretary of State may by regulations make equivalent provision for other elections and referendums to which this Act applies. (5) Regulations under this section are to be made by statutory instrument and may not be made unless a draft of the instrument has been laid before and approved by a resolution of each House of Parliament.”

After Clause 48, insert the following new Clause— “Voter identification reporting requirements: removal of cut-off date (1) Section 59A of the Representation of the People Act 1983 is amended as follows. (2) In subsection (2), omit “each of the first two”. (3) In subsection (5), for “the first” substitute “all”.”

After Clause 48, insert the following new Clause— “Annual report on the operation of voter identification at polling stations (1) The Electoral Commission must publish an annual report on the operation of the requirement to produce identification at polling stations, including an analysis of the information collected under rule 40B of Schedule 1 to the Representation of the People Act 1983 (parliamentary election rules) and of the ballot paper refusal lists completed under rule 40ZB of that Schedule, or under any corresponding provision for other elections. (2) In preparing each report, the Commission must consult organisations representing or working with the electors most at risk of being unable to vote because of that requirement, including any advisory board or panel on which the Commission sits for that purpose, and must share the information mentioned in subsection (1) with them in a form which does not identify any individual. (3) Each report must include a summary of the evidence and comments received under subsection (2) and the Commission’s response to them.”

After Clause 48, insert the following new Clause— “Review of accepted voter identification documents (1) Within the period of 12 months beginning with the day on which this Act is passed, and annually thereafter, the Secretary of State must review whether further documents should be added to the documents accepted as proof of identity at polling stations under rule 37(1H) of Schedule 1 to the Representation of the People Act 1983 (parliamentary election rules), by regulations under rule 37(1Q) of that Schedule. (2) In carrying out each review, the Secretary of State must have particular regard to electors under the age of 25, who are less likely than other electors to hold an accepted document or bank card.

After Clause 48, insert the following new Clause- "Voter identification reporting requirements: removal of cut-off date (1) Section 59A of the Representation of the People Act 1983 is amended as follows. (2) In subsection (2), omit "each of the first two". (3) In subsection (5), for "the first" substitute "all"."

After Clause 48, insert the following new Clause- "Annual report on the operation of voter identification at polling stations (1) The Electoral Commission must publish an annual report on the operation of the requirement to produce identification at polling stations, including an analysis of the information collected under rule 40B of Schedule 1 to the Representation of the People Act 1983 (parliamentary election rules) and of the ballot paper refusal lists completed under rule 40ZB of that Schedule, or under any corresponding provision for other elections. (2) In preparing each report, the Commission must consult organisations representing or working with the electors most at risk of being unable to vote because of that requirement, including any advisory board or panel on which the Commission sits for that purpose, and must share the information mentioned in subsection (1) with them in a form which does not identify any individual. (3) Each report must include a summary of the evidence and comments received under subsection (2) and the Commission's response to them."

After Clause 48, insert the following new Clause - "Review of accepted voter identification documents (1) Within the period of 12 months beginning with the day on which this Act is passed, and annually thereafter, the Secretary of State must review whether further documents should be added to the documents accepted as proof of identity at polling stations under rule 37(1H) of Schedule 1 to the Representation of the People Act 1983 (parliamentary election rules), by regulations under rule 37(1Q) of that Schedule. (2) In carrying out each review, the Secretary of State must have particular regard to electors under the age of 25, who are less likely than other electors to hold an accepted document or bank card. (3) In carrying out each review, the Secretary of State must consult the Electoral Commission and organisations representing or working with electors who are less likely than others to hold an accepted document or bank card, and must have regard to the Commission's most recent report under section (Annual report on the operation of voter identification at polling stations). (4) The Secretary of State must lay before each House of Parliament a report on each review, setting out the documents considered, any documents added or to be added, and the reasons for not adding any document considered."

After Clause 54, insert the following new Clause- "Voting machine pilot schemes (1) The Secretary of State may by regulations made by statutory instrument make provision for pilot schemes under which voting machines are used for the recording of votes at polling stations at relevant elections in specified areas. (2) In this section, "relevant election" means - (a) a local government election in England; (b) a parliamentary general election. (3) Regulations under subsection (1) may modify the conduct rules applying to a relevant election, to the extent necessary for the purposes of a pilot scheme. (4) A pilot scheme - (a) may not apply in more than five local authority areas at any one set of local elections; (b) may not apply in more than three parliamentary constituencies at a general election; (c) may not apply in any area unless the relevant returning officer and local authority have consented in writing; (d) must not alter who is entitled to vote. (5) A voting machine may be used in a pilot scheme only if - (a) it has been certified by the Electoral Commission as meeting standards on security, accessibility, and secrecy of the ballot, (b) it is not connected to the internet or any external network while in use, (c) it produces a voter-verifiable paper record of each vote cast, and (d) paper records are retained and used for a statutory post-election audit by sample count. (6) Regulations under this section may not be made unless the Secretary of State has consulted the Electoral Commission, the Electoral Management Board for Scotland (where relevant) and representatives of returning officers. (7) A statutory instrument containing regulations under this section may not be made unless a draft of the instrument has been laid before, and approved by a resolution of, each House of Parliament. (8) The Electoral Commission must, within six months of each pilot election, publish and lay before Parliament a report evaluating the pilot, covering- (a) accuracy and speed of results, (b) accessibility for disabled voters, (c) voter confidence, (d) security incidents, and (e) cost. (9) The power to make regulations under this section expires five years after the day on which this Act is passed. (10) In this section, "voting machine" means a device used by an elector in a polling station to record their vote electronically, and does not include any means of voting remotely."

After Clause 73, insert the following new Clause - "Identification of printed election material (1) The Representation of the People Act 1983 is amended as follows. (2) In section 110 (details to appear on election publications) - (a) after subsection (3)(c) insert- "(d) where the material is published by or on behalf of a candidate, a unique identification number allocated by the candidate or election agent."; (b) in subsection (6)(b), for "subsection (3)(b) and (c)" substitute "subsection (3)(b) to (d)". (3) After section 110(6) insert- "(6A) For the purposes of subsection (3)(d), each distinct item of printed election material published by or on behalf of a candidate must bear a separate identification number, but multiple copies of the same material may bear the same number." (4) In section 81 (return as to election expenses), after subsection (2) insert- "(2A) Where a return includes expenditure on printed election material bearing a unique identification number under section 110(3)(d), the return must record that number against the corresponding expenditure entry."""

After Clause 73, insert the following new Clause- "Political advertising libraries After section 61 of the Elections Act 2022 insert- "PART 6A POLITICAL ADVERTISING LIBRARIES 61A Duty to maintain political advertising library (1) A relevant provider must maintain a publicly accessible library of electronic material - (a) to which section 41 applies by virtue of section 42 (paid-for electronic material), and (b) which is published on or by means of an online service provided by the relevant provider to users in the United Kingdom. (2) In relation to each item of electronic material, the library must include- (a) a copy of the material, including its content and format; (b) the name and address of the promoter and, where different, the person on whose behalf the material is published; (c) the identity of the person or organisation that paid for the material to be published and, where applicable, information about any relevant controlling entity; (d) the election, referendum, recall petition or other electoral process to which the material relates, where applicable; (e) the date on which the material was first published and, once it ceases to be published, the date on which it was last published; (f) the amount paid or payable for its publication; (g) information about the intended targeting criteria and methods; (h) aggregate information held by the provider about the audience to which the material was delivered, including its reach and engagement; (i) a unique identifier for the material. (3) A record of the material must be added to the library as soon as reasonably practicable after the material is first published and, in any event, within 72 hours of that publication. (4) Information required by subsection (2) which becomes available after the record is added must be added within such period as may be prescribed in regulations made by the Secretary of State, and the record must otherwise be kept up to date in accordance with regulations made by the Secretary of State. (5) The library must be - (a) available to the public free of charge; (b) searchable; (c) available for download in a machine-readable format; (d) available through an application programming interface or other equivalent means of automated access. (6) Records must remain publicly available in the library for at least seven years after the material was last published. (7) A relevant provider must, in accordance with regulations made by the Secretary of State, provide to the Keeper of Public Records a copy of the material and information required by this section for permanent preservation. 61B Relevant providers (1) In this Part, "relevant provider" means the provider of an online service which- (a) in the course of business sells or otherwise facilitates the publication of electronic material as advertisements to users in the United Kingdom, and (b) meets such conditions or thresholds as may be prescribed in regulations made by the Secretary of State. (2) In making regulations under subsection (1)(b), the Secretary of State must have regard to- (a) the need to secure effective transparency in relation to paid-for electronic material, and (b) the need for requirements imposed on providers to be proportionate to the size, reach and role of the service. (3) Regulations may make different provision for different descriptions of service, including exemptions or modified requirements for smaller services. (4) In this Part, "electronic material", "the promoter" and "publish" have the meanings given by section 39. 61C Regulations, guidance and enforcement (1) The Secretary of State may by regulations make further provision about- (a) information to be included in a political advertising library, including information relating to payments and transactions; (b) the form and manner in which information is to be made available, including technical standards for searchability, machine readability and automated access; (c) the updating of records; (d) the timing, form and manner of transfer of records to the Keeper of Public Records under section 61A(7). (2) The Secretary of State must by regulations confer on the Electoral Commission appropriate powers to monitor and enforce compliance with section 61A. (3) In exercising functions relating to enforcement under this Part, the Electoral Commission must have regard to- (a) the need for enforcement to be effective, proportionate and dissuasive, and (b) the desirability, except where the seriousness or deliberate nature of a failure justifies otherwise, of securing compliance through remedial action before imposing a financial penalty. (4) The Electoral Commission must prepare and publish guidance for relevant providers about compliance with this Part. (5) Before making regulations under this Part the Secretary of State must consult the Electoral Commission, the Office of Communications and the Information Commissioner. (6) Section 60 applies to regulations under this Part as it applies to regulations under Part 6."""

Clause 90, page 127, line 35, at end insert— “(za) section (Referendum on extension of right to vote to 16 and 17 year olds) (referendum on extension of right to vote to 16 and 17 year olds);”

Clause 90, page 127, line 40, at end insert— “(ba) section (Assessment of susceptibility of 16 and 17 year olds to election-related disinformation and foreign interference) (assessment of susceptibility of 16 and 17 year olds to election-related disinformation and foreign interference);”

Clause 90, page 128, line 11, at end insert— “(ha) section (Overseas voting: White Paper and draft legislation);”

Clause 90, page 128, line 23, at end insert— “(2A) A statutory instrument containing regulations under subsection (1) which bring section 1(2) (extension of right to vote) into force may not be made unless – (a) a majority of votes have been cast in favour of lowering the voting age to 16 in a referendum held under section (Referendum on extension of right to vote to 16 and 17 year olds), and (b) the duty under section (Assessment of susceptibility of 16 and 17 years old to election-related disinformation and foreign interference) has been discharged.”

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Clause 17, page 23, line 23, at end insert—
“(1A) To enable the duty under subsection (1) to be fulfilled the Department of Work and Pensions must provide every registration officer with the name, address, date of birth and nationality of each individual in their district with a National Insurance number.
(1B) The registration officer must add those electors who they are satisfied are eligible for inclusion to the full electoral register.”

The amendment requires the Department for Work and Pensions to supply registration officers with the details of those with National Insurance numbers for inclusion in the register.

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Clause 17, page 23, line 23, at end insert—
“(1A) To enable the duty under subsection (1) to be fulfilled the Department of Work and Pensions must provide every registration officer with the name, address, date of birth and nationality of each individual in their district to whom they issue a National Insurance number ahead of their 16th birthday.
(1B) The registration officer must add those electors who they are satisfied are eligible for inclusion to the full electoral register.”

The amendment requires the Department for Work and Pensions to supply registration officers with the details of young people who are issued with National Insurance numbers ahead of their 16th birthday for inclusion in the register.

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After Clause 71, insert the following new Clause—
“Third-party campaigning
Within 12 months of the day on which this Act is passed, the Secretary of State must lay a report before Parliament on proposals to revise and simplify the regulation of third-party campaigning.”

This amendment requires the Secretary of State to lay a report before Parliament to revise and simplify the regulation of third-party campaigning.

Clause 1, page 1, line 5, leave out “subsections (2) to (4)” and insert “subsections (3) and (4)”

This amendment is consequential on the amendment to leave out Clause 1(2), which would retain the minimum voting age of 18 for elections to the House of Commons.

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Clause 1, page 1, line 6, leave out subsection (2)

This amendment would ensure that the minimum voting age of 18 is retained for all elections to the House of Commons, thus maintaining alignment with the minimum age for standing for election to the House of Commons under section 17 of the Electoral Administration Act 2006.

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