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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

This bill will put too much power in the hands of the government

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

The Elections Bill will hand huge powers to the government over our elections

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

Senior MPs tell government evidence has simply not been good enough

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

Voter ID will be the nail in the coffin for democracy and MP’s integrity

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

News and Comment

Now it’s over to the Lords to prevent the government’s assault on democracy

The government should stop and re-think Elections Bill as it returns to the Commons

Even senior MPs agree the government needs to pause and rethink the Elections Bill

Dominic Grieve is just the latest conservative to call for a halt to the Elections Bill

Expensive Voter ID scheme is neither necessary nor proportionate

Sweeping undemocratic changes are being rushed through without consultation

Scottish Government refuses to recommend consent for Elections Bill

22 Welsh organisations warn voter ID plans could leave vulnerable voters locked out

Nearly 300,000 signatures handed to No 10 over undemocratic voter ID plans