Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Barry Sheerman and Chloe Smith

Wednesday 19th December 2018 Commons Chamber

[Mr Barry Sheerman (Huddersfield) (Lab/Co-op)]

Is the Minister not aware that ID is linked to knowing where the children of our country are: are they in school; are they vulnerable? Those in her party stopped us having that identification. Many children are at risk because of their actions on ID.

[Chloe Smith]

The hon. Gentleman has advanced that argument over many years in many different formats. I regret to say I am not entirely clear if I follow him this morning, but I would be very happy to have a further conversation with him if there is an important point there.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Barry Sheerman and Chloe Smith

Wednesday 14th November 2018 Commons Chamber

[Chloe Smith]

I would certainly expect returning officers to look into that carefully, and I would support them in their efforts to do so. It is difficult for me to make any more detailed comments on that from the Dispatch Box, but in general terms we certainly wish to keep the postal voting process secure and safe and to ensure that that process contributes to the overall integrity of our elections.

[Mr Barry Sheerman (Huddersfield) (Lab/Co-op)]

Will the Minister assure the House that if there is an early general election, our postal vote system is robust enough and able to cope?

[Chloe Smith]

Yes, but I do not expect it to have to.