‘Voter suppression’ accusation

Boris Johnson has been accused of attempting “voter suppression” by a former Labour Party leader after announcing plans to make photographic ID compulsory when voting.

The Queen’s Speech included plans to tighten rules around voting, with voters needing to show an “approved form of photographic ID” when turning up to polling stations.

But former Labour leader Ed Miliband said the prime minister had not offered “any evidence” that there was an issue with the integrity of voting in the UK.

A passport or a driver’s licence featuring a photograph will need to be produced in order to have a say at the next election under the plans being proposed by the government.

Ministers said those who do not

“Such an obvious US voter suppression move. FORMER LABOUR LEADER ED MILIBAND

hold such identification documents will be able to apply for free for a local electoral identity document to avoid losing their vote.

The fine print in the draft Bill also places extra burdens on postal voters, with fresh requirements to reapply every three years to vote by post.

Those on the electoral register currently turn up at their local polling station to vote.

Voters are sent polling cards informing them of the election date and where to go to vote but the card does not have to be handed over in exchange for a ballot paper.

Mr Miliband tweeted: “Photo ID to vote without any evidence of a problem such an obvious US voter suppression move. Plus, in small print of briefing document making people re-apply for postal votes every three years... more bureaucracy to disenfranchise more people, particularly older voters.”