Voter ID introduced to stop 'certain people' from voting, Labour MP Jess Phillips suggests

Labour MP and shadow minister, Jess Phillips, made the accusation. Credit: PA

By ITV News Westminster Producer Lucy McDaid

A Labour MP has accused the government of introducing compulsory voter ID to try and stop "large portions of the migrant community" from voting at next month's local elections.

Jess Phillips accused the government of trying to make it harder for "certain people", by requiring all eligible adults to show photo identification at polling stations on 4 May.

The shadow minister for domestic violence and safeguarding also expressed concerns about the logistical problems the change could cause, likening the situation to queues for passport checks at the Port of Dover over the Easter holidays.

Her criticism follows warnings from the Electoral Commission, which said extra staff will be needed to prevent polling stations being "overwhelmed" with enquiries about the photo ID.

Speaking to Matt Forde on 'The Political Party' podcast, Ms Phillips, who represents Birmingham Yardley, joked that "the Tories have shot themselves in the foot a little bit".

Local elections: More than one million people face not getting a vote
Voters will be asked to present a form of photo ID at polling stations during May's local elections. Credit: ITV News

"I think that they did it to try and stop certain people voting, and by certain people I think large portions of the migrant community in our country," she said.

"And that's because, once again, they don't live on the same planet," added Ms Phillips.

She continued: "I represent a community, a large Muslim community, British Pakistani, British Bangladeshi, and there isn't one of them that doesn't have photo ID. They do have it.

"Do you know who doesn't go in and out of the country? Farmers from Lincolnshire."

Met with laughs from the audience, Ms Phillips joked she "cannot wait" as she told Forde the joke was based on "an actual case study" of a man in Lincolnshire without the right ID.

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More than a million people face not being able to vote next month, either because they lack any identification or don't have the right type, according to figures from the Electoral Commission.

Previous polling has also warned that people without the correct identification to allow them a vote are more likely to be from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Critics have highlighted the change could also disengage voters from the process, particularly younger voters who may not have ID and are typically more left-leaning.

Others have argued that many of the accepted forms of ID suggest more consideration has been given to encouraging older voters, who are more likely to vote Conservative.

For example, an Older Person’s Bus Pass will be accepted, however an equivalent travel card for a younger person won't be.

Voters in England will now need to show ID before casting their ballot Credit: PA
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Which forms of ID will be accepted at polling stations?

Various forms of photographic ID in different categories will be accepted and anyone without can apply for a free voter ID document known as a Voter Authority Certificate.

The deadline for applications is 5pm on 25 April.

You will only need to show one form of photo ID. It needs to be the original version and not a photocopy.

  • Passport issued by the UK, any of the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man, a British Overseas Territory, an EEA state or a Commonwealth country

  • Driving licence issued by the UK, any of the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man, or an EEA state (this includes a provisional driving licence)

  • A Blue Badge

  • Older Person’s Bus Pass

  • Disabled Person’s Bus Pass

  • Oyster 60+ Card

  • Freedom Pass

  • Scottish National Entitlement Card

  • 60 and Over Welsh Concessionary Travel Card

  • Disabled Person’s Welsh Concessionary Travel Card

  • Senior SmartPass issued in Northern Ireland

  • Registered Blind SmartPass or Blind Person’s SmartPass issued in Northern Ireland

  • War Disablement SmartPass issued in Northern Ireland

  • 60+ SmartPass issued in Northern Ireland

  • Half Fare SmartPass issued in Northern Ireland

  • Identity card bearing the Proof of Age Standards Scheme hologram (a PASS card)

  • Biometric immigration document

  • Ministry of Defence Form 90 (Defence Identity Card)

  • National identity card issued by an EEA state

  • Electoral Identity Card issued in Northern Ireland

  • Voter Authority Certificate

  • Anonymous Elector's Document

The government has always defended criticism of the scheme, insisting it was introduced to "protect the integrity of elections" and prevent voter impersonation.

A spokesperson said: "We cannot be complacent when it comes to ensuring our democracy remains secure. Photo identification has been used in Northern Ireland elections since 2003. “The vast majority of people already have a form of acceptable identification. We’re urging anyone who doesn’t to apply for a free Voter Authority Certificate as soon as possible and we expect more people to apply before the deadline. “We’re working closely with the sector to support the rollout and are funding the necessary equipment and staffing for the change in requirements.”

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