Absent Voting (Elections in Scotland and Wales) Bill

Debate between Patricia Ferguson and Martin Rhodes

2nd reading
Friday 17th January 2025 Commons Chamber

[Martin Rhodes]

I certainly agree that it is important to see the Scottish Government and the United Kingdom Government working together.

[Patricia Ferguson]

On that point, is my hon. Friend as saddened and surprised as I am to see not a single SNP Member here? It strikes me that if they claim to be Scotland’s party, they need to be here to talk about legislation that affects Scotland.

[Martin Rhodes]

My hon. Friend asks whether I am saddened and surprised; I am saddened.

It is important that while we make it easier to apply online for postal and proxy votes, we do not take away any ability to apply via paper, and I welcome the fact that the legislation does not do that. Many do not have access to digital means of applying, so it is welcome that the Bill creates additional ability to apply.