ERS in the Press: January 2022 Scandal and crisis at the heart of government have dominated the news as we begin 2022. Yet in a packed news cycle of covid regulation breaking parties in Downing Street, and a pantomime-esque will-they-won’t-they over... Posted 04 Feb 2022
The government aren’t listening – make your voices heard on 5th February Join the Elections Bill Rally in Parliament Square. The passing of the government’s Election Bill through the House of Commons last week was a huge blow to democracy. It now heads to the Lords, with... Posted 28 Jan 2022
Now it’s over to the Lords to prevent the government’s assault on democracy Yesterday was a dark day for democracy. Despite widespread opposition from campaigners, election experts, academics and civil society the government’s Elections Bill successfully passed through the commons. The Bill includes clauses introducing voter ID, more... Posted 18 Jan 2022
The government should stop and re-think Elections Bill as it returns to the Commons The government’s Elections Bill returns to the House of Commons on Monday 17th January despite the opposition against their plans growing from all sides of the chamber. The bill has faced fierce opposition from campaigners,... Posted 14 Jan 2022
Even senior MPs agree the government needs to pause and rethink the Elections Bill Earlier this week, the House of Commons Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs (PACAC) select committee published the final report of its inquiry into the Elections Bill. In a highly critical report, the influential committee heeded... Posted 17 Dec 2021
The top 5 most-read ERS articles from 2021 Every year we have a look through the stats to see which of our articles were the most popular with readers in the year coming to a close. So if you missed them the first... Posted 13 Dec 2021
Dominic Grieve is just the latest conservative to call for a halt to the Elections Bill While the Elections Bill is not expected to return to parliament until the new year, opposition is still growing against this dangerous legislation. The most recent conservative to speak out is former Attorney General, Dominic... Posted 07 Dec 2021
Expensive Voter ID scheme is neither necessary nor proportionate The UK government’s Election Bill containing controversial Voter ID provisions is progressing with haste through parliament this month, despite significant alarm over its potential impact. Whilst the government claims the bill will increase ballot security,... Posted 22 Oct 2021
Sweeping undemocratic changes are being rushed through without consultation A major change to the voting system for Mayors and Police and Crime Commissioners has been slipped into the Elections Bill at Committee Stage – after MPs and the Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee... Posted 06 Oct 2021
Scottish Government refuses to recommend consent for Elections Bill The Scottish government is standing up to Westminster on legislation that would see voter ID imposed on UK elections held in Scotland. Deputy First Minister John Swinney lodged a ‘legislation consent memorandum’ in the Scottish... Posted 01 Oct 2021