Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Lord Bellingham and Chris Skidmore

Wednesday 5th July 2017 Commons Chamber

[The Parliamentary Secretary, Cabinet Office (Chris Skidmore)]

The Government believe that electoral fraud is unacceptable on any level. We have a clear path to building a democracy that is both clear and secure, and we will work closely with key partner organisations to deliver a comprehensive programme of work for reforming our electoral system and strengthening electoral integrity.

[Sir Henry Bellingham]

Is the Minister aware that there is now clear evidence that many students boasted on social media of voting twice—once at university, and once by post at home? Surely this is straightforward electoral fraud.

[Chris Skidmore]

The offence of double voting that my hon. Friend mentions is completely unacceptable. Indeed, it is nothing less than an abuse of our democracy. I am meeting Sir John Holmes, the chair of the Electoral Commission, this afternoon, and I intend to raise this with him as a priority. Let all of us in this House be clear: this is a crime. If anyone has any evidence of people voting twice, they should report it to their local returning officer and the police, who must take this issue seriously.

--- Later in debate ---

[Sir Henry Bellingham (North West Norfolk) (Con)]

T7. Further to my earlier question about students fraudulently voting twice, may I ask whether, when my hon. Friend meets representatives of the Electoral Commission, he will ensure that the police are involved as well?

[Chris Skidmore]

When it comes to the issue of electoral fraud and double voting, I will ensure that we involve all our electoral partners, including the police.