Thread by @BestForBritain

Lord Judge welcomes Gvt’s overtures on Electoral Commission but says still doesn’t address the independence or perceived independence of the regulator. #ElectionsBill

Judge : In context of electoral bill should explain plainly and clearly that EC won’t be bound by the Secretary of State’s opinion

Judge: I urge this house to send this amendment back to the Commons for them to decide whether or not the EC should be an
Independent body with an independent function

Blunkett: There seems to be a misunderstanding by Gvt of the difference between Government and Parliament. Independence of the EC is fundamental to democracy

Rennard: The gvt has failed to provide proof of voter fraud and indeed there is plenty of proof to contrary. £180m spent on rolling out photographic ID is wholly disproportionate

Rennard: when photo id first came in for NI in 2003 thousands couldn’t vote because they didn’t possess the correct ID.

A sensible compromise is to allow polling card to be an acceptable proof of identity which is already issued to every voter

Lord Cormack (Con): I’m troubled because I accept the intentions of gvt even though I support Judge. Best we can hope for now is scrupulous post legislative scrutiny. Gvt determined to prorogue. Therefore the time has come. Isn’t a session that has enhanced Gvt.

Cormack: but that’s where we are and so the most honourable thing I can do is abstain. The HoC spurned us which entitled but not wise to do. Mark this as a sad episode and scrutinise it when on statute book.

(Unclear HOW that can be done. Big shame he’s rowed back on his Monday voting position).

Willetts: we are drawing to end of this session and I draw comfort from True because he’s assured us we can thru secondary legislation we can add to types of ID to be used

Lister: I support the amendments. Glad poverty groups included in ongoing consultation on ID. Glad to hear about post leg scrutiny. But will vote with Judge and Rennard.

Carlile: there is a risk the EC will have its independence damaged and impugned. What does the gvt lose by not accepting these amendments? We haven’t heard a good reason why these shouldn’t be sent back. Prorogation not good enough excuse.

Carlile: Just because it’s not convenient is no reason not to push it back to HoC

Rooker: David Runciman’s “how democracy ends”- 2 examples
1) election manipulation
2) executive power
Where does this bill differ from these two issues?

Wallace: we believe in constitutional democracy and citizens rights. Improper these powers will now sit with the Dept for Housing not Constitutional affairs.

Altmann: we must persuade right thinking Con MPs of the risk of gerrymandering of elections. Judge has challenged us to stand up to a significant risk. There is no sufficient debate of these Bills. What are we here for if not to make MPs consider our concerns.

Hayman: How will local gvt be supported to ensure no elector whatsoever will be disenfranchised by this bill?

Hayman: clear concern across house about undermining independence of Electoral Commission. We agree wholeheartedly with Judge and urge HoC to reconsider matter of extreme constitutional importance

True (the Con minister on this Bill): there will be ongoing consultation on rollout of voter ID. We aren’t doing this because of prorogation. Up to Lords to decide if they want more ping pong. On balance many improvements been made and cos Gvt won’t budge best not to carry on

Judge: having heard that I’m encouraged we should continue ping pong.

VOTES!

Ten mins

Contents: 181
Not contents: 202

Farewell free and fair elections

Only 67 Lab peers turned out to vote. 70 Lib Dems, 33 XB and 3 Cons (Altmann, Ken Clarke, Deben) voted with us.

Disgraceful. Woeful ability to whip.