Group 4: Extension of right to vote to foreign nationals and associated electoral registration (Amendments 5, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 17, 18, 19, 61, 62, 63, 1)

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 5:49 pm on 13 November 2019.

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Photo of David Melding David Melding Conservative 5:49, 13 November 2019

Diolch i chi, Llywydd. These issues have now been fully aired, but one fact remains: this momentous change in the franchise has not been fully scrutinised. In fact, it's not received any primary legislative scrutiny at the appropriate stages, when committees are able to look at the principle, call witnesses, ask for an explanation of how these changes may be applied in practice. There are all sorts of issues involved in moving away from, at the moment, the principle of some basis on citizenship being recognised. That is, at the minute, how we permit Irish citizens, European citizens and citizens of the Commonwealth to vote. We've not been able to examine anything like how long would they have to reside, if they have the right to reside. What happens when very rich people who have settled here, bringing large sums of money, then want to campaign and stand as candidates? Now, there are all sorts of things happening out there in the world that are difficult to anticipate. Do people who have retained a citizenship of another country then have the right to vote in the equivalent level elections in that country whilst also voting in this country? We abolished double voting in local government, I think, in the mid 1940s, if I recall. Now, these are fundamental issues. They may not be substantial enough to stop progress on this matter. I mean, I don't know the answers to those questions I've just raised. But the problem is that none of us have had the opportunity to put them or have them appropriately examined. And if you really thought this was a profound principle, you would do it in your own legislation in the full sight of Assembly Members. You are not doing that. This is slipshod or worse. You should know better.