Seòmar agus comataidhean

Are you proposing that now is the right time to do that?

Thank you for attending the committee, Gillian. We will consider the proposed CPG and the clerks will notify you of the decision in the near future.

The next agenda item is consideration of whether to accord recognition to the proposed cross-party groups on gardening and horticulture and on stroke. Are members content to accord recognition to the proposed new CPGs?

Members indicated agreement.

That element is reserved.

In the minister’s letter to the committee, she points out that

“a UK wide regime will ensure a coherent and consistent approach for both those enforcing the regime and for campaigners.”

Putting aside the political element—I know that it is difficult to do that—we can see that it is a given fact that, given the internet and the base from which people start off, we would need a UK-wide policy to ensure a coherent and consistent approach. That is almost a fait accompli because of the way that internet users and providers are located and how the worldwide web works.

Thank you for clarifying your position on, and your understanding of, the matter.

That concludes our specific questions on the LCM, but it would be helpful to get your evidence on other matters that are covered in it. I call Edward Mountain, who will ask about voter ID.

As you have pointed out, minister, subjective evidence seems to abound, but objective evidence is much harder to find. However, if personation was successful, we would not know about it, would we?

I am sorry to interrupt, Edward. Minister, all committee members have read their papers.

Can you hear me, Edward?

I feel your frustration, but we have a role to play, which is in part what Tess White was following through on.

On undue influence, is there agreement that the law is out of date and that change is needed? The change would be the subject of consultation of the public and others. Is there a bottom-line agreement on what the UK Government is asserting, which is that the law on undue influence is out of date and needs to be modernised?

Bob Doris would like to come in with a supplementary question.

I am sorry, Bob, but we cannot hear you. Can you put your thumb up if you can hear us?

Bob, we will move on, but I have you on my post-it note and we will return to the minister to answer your question in due course, when we can connect with you.

Can I come to Edward Mountain for questions on the disqualification of offenders from holding elected office?

I am grateful.