Group 3: Reviews of the operation of the Act (Amendments 160, 6, 40, 164, 165, 163)

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 5:19 pm on 13 November 2019.

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Photo of Darren Millar Darren Millar Conservative 5:19, 13 November 2019

Thank you, Deputy Presiding Officer. This was a belt-and-braces type of amendment, in order to ensure that, should the voting franchise be extended to 16 and 17-year-olds, and my previous amendments in group 2 be rejected, then it was to ensure that there was an opportunity to review the legislation in terms of the operation of that legislation on the ground in relation to any extension of the franchise. Now, I do note that Jeremy Miles, as Counsel General, has tabled amendment 164, which also incorporates a review of the legislation in respect of the extension of the franchise to 16 and 17-year-olds, in addition to some of the other operation of this particular proposal. So, although I move formally the amendment at the moment, I am prepared to withdraw my amendment, should you give me assurances in this particular debate that you're committed to making sure that this issue of 16 to 17-year-olds and the extension of that franchise will be subject to a proper review that looks at all aspects of the operation of that, right through from registration to actually promoting participation in the future. If the Government can give me those assurances, then I'll be prepared to seek the opportunity to withdraw my amendment today.