2022

The Levelling-up and Regeneration Bill follows the publication of the Levelling Up the United Kingdom White Paper, which highlighted disparities across different regions of the UK.

In April 2022, the Elections Act 2022 was passed by Parliament. Within the act were provisions that implemented voter ID, which includes passports, driving licence, photo travel pass from Oyster 60+ and the Voter Authority Certificate. The design of the VAC is the responsibility of the Electoral Commission and will show the elector’s name and photograph, the local authority that issued the VAC, and a unique number.  A public awareness ad campaign will be launched by the Electoral Commission in January 2023. It will run through to local elections in May 2023 (in England). I am concerned about voter ID for a number of reasons.

The Australia and New Zealand Trade Bill ratifies and implements the UK’s free trade agreements with Australia and New Zealand. I have concerns about the way in which these trade deals were negotiated. The former Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs has even admitted that the Australia deal was bad for Britain.

During FCDO Question on the 13 December, the Minister was asked about the potential merits of establishing an FCDO centre of expertise to help support democracies across the world. I asked the Minister: