Moray SNP News

TORY MP SLAMMED FOR BACKING BILL THAT UNDERMINES DEMOCRACY

LOCHHEAD COMMENTS ON THE PASSING OF THE TORY GOVERNMENT’S ELECTIONS BILL

Richard Lochhead MSP has slammed Tory MP Douglas Ross for voting in favour of the UK Government’s Elections Bill in the House of Commons last night.

Under Tory plans voters will be required to show photographic ID before casting their ballot in UK General Elections.

Mr Lochhead has described the move as voter suppression and criticised Moray’s MP for backing a bill that makes it harder for already disenfranchised communities to vote.

Commenting Moray’s SNP MSP said:

“The Elections Bill is not only deeply flawed but it is an outright attack on democracy from a Tory Government that is hellbent on disenfranchising the electorate.

“I was deeply disappointed to see Moray’s own Tory MP troop through the lobbies to back this bill which will make it much harder the most marginalised communities to vote and take part in elections. We need to call this out for what it is and it is frankly a cynical attempt at voter suppression.

“I am unaware of any voter fraud in Moray so maybe Mr Ross would like to enlighten his constituents as to why he feels this is necessary?

“Mr Ross spends a lot more time in Scotland these days doing his other job so its speaks volumes about his views that he made sure he was present for this particular vote where he voted the wrong way.

“Instead of backing amendments in favour of votes at 16 – something that’s been a big success here in Scotland – the Tories rallied to force through ID requirements that are a blatant attempt at election rigging.”