Electoral Fraud

Debate between Baroness Chisholm of Owlpen and Lord Campbell-Savours

Monday 12th September 2016 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Chisholm of Owlpen]

We do not plan to make registration compulsory.

[Lord Campbell-Savours (Lab)]

My Lords, why do we not stop wasting public money on a national individual registration scheme and target the resource on those areas where there is a real problem? Is political correctness getting in the way of pursuing that approach?

[Baroness Chisholm of Owlpen]

I cannot agree with the noble Lord. The principle of IER was supported on a cross-party basis when it was introduced. It brings us into line with every other serious democracy in the world, and it meets the expectations of British citizens who live fast-paced digital lives and expect to be able to interact with public services digitally. It is important that we carry on with this reform.