That the Parliament agrees not to consent to the UK Elections Bill, as it is for the Scottish Parliament to legislate on electoral law in relation to Scottish Parliament and local government elections; notes that the Scottish Government intends to consult on a number of electoral reforms later in 2022 with a view to bringing forward legislation; expresses its concern that proposals in the UK Elections Bill in relation to reserved elections risk disenfranchising voters, and threatening the independence of the Electoral Commission; notes that the proposal to require voter identification could infringe the human rights of people without a form of identification; supports the agreement of the Scottish Parliament Standards, Procedures and Public Appointments Committee to the Scottish Government's position that legislative consent is required in relation to digital imprints in devolved elections; opposes the moves by the UK Government to effectively replace existing Scottish legislation on digital imprints by applying an unacceptably broad interpretation of the internet services reservation; believes that the Bill will undermine the ability of civil society organisations, charities and trade unions to engage and campaign in Scotland's and the UK's democracy, and regards the Bill as a costly and dangerous attempt by the UK Conservative administration to manipulate democracy in its favour.
Supported by:
John Swinney
Result 91 for, 29 against, 0 abstained, 9 did not vote Vote Passed
Scottish National Party
Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Scottish Labour
Scottish Green Party
Scottish Liberal Democrats
No Party Affiliation
That the Parliament agrees not to consent to the UK Elections Bill, as it is for the Scottish Parliament to legislate on electoral law in relation to Scottish Parliament and local government elections; notes that the Scottish Government intends to consult on a number of electoral reforms later in 2022 with a view to bringing forward legislation; expresses its concern that proposals in the UK Elections Bill in relation to reserved elections risk disenfranchising voters, and threatening the independence of the Electoral Commission; notes that the proposal to require voter identification could infringe the human rights of people without a form of identification; supports the agreement of the Scottish Parliament Standards, Procedures and Public Appointments Committee to the Scottish Government's position that legislative consent is required in relation to digital imprints in devolved elections, and opposes the moves by the UK Government to effectively replace existing Scottish legislation on digital imprints by applying an unacceptably broad interpretation of the internet services reservation.
Submitted by: Neil Bibby, West Scotland, Scottish Labour, Date lodged: Monday, January 31, 2022
Supported by: Paul Sweeney, Martin Whitfield
Current status: Taken in the chamber on Tuesday, February 1, 2022
Result 90 for, 30 against, 0 abstained, 9 did not vote Vote Passed
Submitted by: Stephen Kerr, Central Scotland, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party, Date lodged: Monday, January 31, 2022
Current status: Taken in the chamber on Tuesday, February 1, 2022
Result 29 for, 90 against, 0 abstained, 10 did not vote Vote Defeated