Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Chloe Smith and Helen Goodman

Wednesday 19th December 2018 Commons Chamber

[The Parliamentary Secretary, Cabinet Office (Chloe Smith)]

The British public deserve to have confidence in our democracy. A diverse range of local authorities have confirmed that they will be taking part in voter ID and postal vote pilots for the 2019 local elections. The pilots will provide further insights into ensuring the security of the voting process.

[Helen Goodman]

I am grateful for that answer. Bishop Auckland has the lowest rate of passport ownership in the entire country. Does not the Minister understand that expensive forms of voter ID will exclude thousands of people from exercising their democratic right to vote?

[Chloe Smith]

Yes, I do; the design of the pilots acknowledges that and makes sure that a free-of-charge alternative will be available.