7. Debate: Voter Inclusion

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 6:25 pm on 9 November 2021.

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Photo of Mick Antoniw Mick Antoniw Labour 6:25, 9 November 2021

It is always difficult, Dirprwy Lywydd, when you have the Conservatives behind you and you can't see what they're up to. [Laughter.] Dirprwy Lywydd, if this was happening in Russia, we would be calling it by what it is: corruption, and an attack on democracy and an undermining of the rule of law. That is exactly what it is, and we must wake up to what the Tories are doing. And I think the Members must also wake up to what is being done in your name. Dirprwy Lywydd, I ask for the support of all Members of this Senedd to do what is right, and to stand up for democracy and the rule of law.

Now, Dirprwy Lywydd, to conclude, the Welsh Government want to set an example to the rest of the UK. We want to make elections as open and accessible and as robust as possible. We also want to find new ways to engage with voters, to make sure that they have every opportunity to participate in the democratic process—comments that have been ably made by other Members within this Senedd. Our approach, unfortunately, appears to be in direct contrast to the UK Government's approach. Now, as outlined earlier, the local government elections in Wales next year will provide a way to test a number of electoral innovations, ahead of a potential national roll-out in the 2026 Senedd elections. So, I look forward to working on those matters alongside colleagues here in due course, and I urge Members to support the motion and to reject the Conservative amendment.