Seòmar agus comataidhean

I will move on to voter ID, which everyone has raised as an issue. I see that Catriona Burness has joined us again. The witnesses have been clear about the impact that voter ID has on certain groups. Does Jess Garland have any comments on the impact on any socioeconomic groups that have not been mentioned? What are the challenges with regard to voter ID for them?

I would like to push you on your experience and knowledge of that and to turn the question around slightly. I have two questions. First, what confidence is there in those groups that the Government, the local authority or the election officer will provide that specified ID if a person does not have a passport or a driving licence? What is the confidence level in those groups that that will happen?

We can hear you.

My apologies for your experience with the IT, which is not unique. Thank you for that contribution. That answer to Bob Doris’s question about the bill is very important, and it is very helpful to have it on the record.

I am conscious of the time. On behalf of the committee, I extend my deep thanks to the witnesses for attending the meeting. I know that the clerks will be in touch with them about whether there are any other items that they would like us to consider before our report is drawn together.

That ends the public part of the meeting.

Bob, I think that Alistair Clark wants to come in.

Thank you. It is important that you have put on record that the right to vote is a human right, so it applies to all humans. Before Catriona Burness responds, I will let Bob Doris ask a follow-up question for you.

No problem.

Thank you. Chris Highcock, in the EMBS’s submissions you state:

“It is important that independence of political control is preserved and also that their current role in supporting and regulating elections across the different devolved governments is recognised.”

Is there anything that you would like to add?

Good morning. I welcome everyone to the eighth meeting in 2021 of the Standards, Procedures and Public Appointments Committee. I ask members and witnesses who are on the BlueJeans platform to please type R in the chat function to request to speak.

Our first agenda item is a decision on whether to take item 4, which is a discussion of the evidence that we will hear this morning, in private. Do members agree to take that item in private?

Members indicated agreement.

Thank you. Would anyone else like to come in?