Oral Answers to Questions

Desmond Swayne Excerpts

Wednesday 17th May 2023 Commons Chamber

[The Deputy Prime Minister]

I assure the hon. Lady and the House that the Government are committed to reforming the leasehold system to give homeowners more control and cheaper access to leasehold renewal, including a 990-year extension with zero ground rent. We will set out plans for further reforms later in the Parliament.

[Sir Desmond Swayne (New Forest West) (Con)]

Q14. What would be a reason for extending the general election franchise to settled EU citizens, a population of voters equal to the number in Wales?

[The Deputy Prime Minister]

I think that my right hon. Friend is referring to the plans from the Labour party. It is quite interesting that this week, while we are pushing ahead with legislation to break the smuggling gangs, Labour’s big idea is to give foreign nationals a say in our elections. So there we have it. While the Conservatives will stop the boats, Labour will rig the votes.