7. Debate: Voter Inclusion

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 6:15 pm on 9 November 2021.

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Photo of Sam Rowlands Sam Rowlands Conservative 6:15, 9 November 2021

So, coming back to the insinuation that voter ID would suppress voting and deny people their fundamental democratic rights, it clearly has had no effect in Northern Ireland. And we do have an issue in Senedd elections and we must come to face this: 46.6 per cent of people voted in May's elections compared to 67 per cent in UK general elections. The UK Government may have some good ideas here as to how we can secure voter confidence at election time.

I'm aware of time, Deputy Presiding Officer, so I will move on. To conclude, then, it's vitally important that we continue to increase the integrity of voting, making sure people feel safe, secure and free while voting, and ensure people can vote fairly. We have a UK Government Elections Bill, backed by the Electoral Commission and backed by the public, to prevent voter fraud, which successfully works across many other nations around the world. Yet, we're here again hearing the usual bashing of the UK Government by the Welsh Government. I would urge all Members to reject the Welsh Government's motion and support our Conservative amendment to give those voters the safety and fairness that they deserve. Diolch yn fawr iawn.