Democracy’s under attack claims MP

EAST Runcorn MP Mike Amesbury has claimed “democracy is under attack” from the Conservative Government.

The Labour MP for Weaver Vale’s comments came as the Tories’ Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill came before the House of Lords, including a proposal to restrict the right to protest.

Meanwhile the Government’s Elections Bill was passed at third reading in the House of Commons with a measure for compulsory photo ID when voting.

Mr Amesbury said: “Government is eroding the right of everyday people to express their voice, including through a proposed clampdown on protesters.

“There is long and proud history of protest in his country.

“We think of the Suffragettes who successfully campaigned for a woman’s right to vote.

“Clearly, there’s a balance to be struck but any meaningful protest is about grabbing people’s attention.

“That’s why it’s outrageous the Government is intending to restrict noisy protests.

“This element was rejected by the Lords but is likely to be brought back.”

Mr Amesbury voted against the Elections Bill on Monday, January 17, which would introduce mandatory voter photo ID at polling stations by 2023 for local elections in England and UK General Elections.

He said: “Government ministers claim this is all about making elections more secure by preventing in-person voter fraud. But there have only been three convictions for voter impersonation since 2014.

“It’s actually about voter suppression and stands to disenfranchise millions lacking photo ID, particularly low income and minority groups.

“It’s a ploy borrowed straight from the Donald Trump book of tricks.”

The MP, also shadow local government minister, said the Elections Bill will also undermine independent oversight by giving ministers power over the Electoral Commission.

A spokesman for Mr Amesbury’s office added restrictions are planned around campaigning by non-party groups such as trade unions.

He added: “Democracy is under attack and the authoritarian tendencies of this Government should be a concern to us all.”

The Government has said the Elections Bill’s aim is to “strengthen the integrity of the electoral process” while the Police, Crime, Sentencing and

Courts Bill covers a wide range of topics including legislation aimed at reducing serious violence, but also a “provision about the maintenance of public order”.