Labour Faces Accusations of Election Manipulation Amid Controversial Proposals

[Social Media]

 

Labour has been accused of attempting to manipulate the next general election by proposing significant changes to voting laws. Critics claim the proposed reforms could dismantle safeguards against voter fraud and extend voting rights to millions of foreign nationals, potentially securing a Labour majority in future elections.

 

Speculation in Westminster suggests Labour ministers are planning sweeping electoral reforms. Among the most contentious proposals is a move to extend voting rights to 16 and 17-year-olds, a change that could be enacted through legislation expected later this year. Adding to the controversy, the Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR), a think-tank aligned with Labour, has recommended relaxing or removing the requirement for voters to present photographic identification, a measure introduced in 2022 to prevent voter fraud and intimidation.

 

The IPPR argues that easing photo ID rules could increase voter turnout among marginalized groups, such as renters and non-graduates. The think-tank's report warns that ignoring political inequality would harm the Government's legitimacy, stating, “Letting current trends in political inequality play out would be an obvious act of self-harm for this Government.”

 

Another divisive suggestion from the IPPR involves granting voting rights to approximately five million foreign nationals who are permanent taxpaying residents in the UK. Currently, voting rights are restricted to citizens of the UK, Ireland, and Commonwealth nations. The IPPR’s report highlights, “Around five million permanent taxpaying residents of the UK do not have the right to vote in its elections… There is clear need for a wider political conversation about the notion of citizenship and voting rights in the UK.”

 

Additionally, the report proposes automatically registering voters before their 16th birthdays, potentially adding 700,000 young people to the electoral register annually. The combination of these changes could significantly alter the electorate, with critics arguing the reforms disproportionately benefit Labour.

 

The proposals have sparked fierce backlash from Conservative MPs. Nigel Huddleston, co-chairman of the Conservative Party, accused Labour of attempting to undermine the electoral process. “This is nothing more than a shameless attempt by Labour to rig elections in its favour and turn a blind eye to electoral fraud,” Huddleston said. “It is no surprise that Labour has resorted to dirty tricks to improve its chances of electoral success and try to distract people away from its failures. In six short months in power, it has trashed the economy, whacked up taxes, and cut the winter fuel payment for 10 million vulnerable pensioners.”

 

The controversy has also reignited scrutiny of the IPPR, a think-tank with a storied history of influencing Labour policy. Once dubbed “Tony Blair’s favourite think-tank,” the IPPR played a pivotal role during the New Labour era. Today, it wields significant influence over Sir Keir Starmer’s administration. The Prime Minister has appointed former IPPR executive director Carys Roberts and policy expert Rachel Statham to advisory roles, signaling the think-tank’s continued sway in shaping Labour’s agenda.

 

As the debate over electoral reforms intensifies, questions remain about the broader implications for democracy and the balance of power in the UK. Critics argue the proposed changes represent a dangerous precedent, while supporters contend they are necessary to modernize the voting system and promote inclusivity.

 

Based on a report by Daily Mail 2024-01-06

 

 

[Watawattana]

Oh.  Like the Tories never changed anything to make it more likely they stayed in power... 😆

[billd766]

So the government wants to lower the voting age to 16 or 17,

 

Yet at the same time the minimum age to drive a car is 17 and the legal age to drink alcohol is 18. However you can join the military at 16, but ONLY with your parents consent.

 

Currently in England you must be 18 to be on the electoral roll.

[JustinCredible]

Labour have finally worked out that with such changes they have ZERO chance of winning another Election.

[Will B Good]

 

Shame if they remove the requirement for photographic ID.......it nearly managed to stop Mr Boris Johnson from voting 

[Will B Good]

6 minutes ago, JustinCredible said:

Labour have finally worked out that with such changes they have ZERO chance of winning another Election.

 

 

Lowering the age will help Reform....or so we are led to believe......youngsters are huge fans of Musk.

 

Once Musk has sorted out the leadership and has his guy running the show, Labour might find they've shot themselves in the foot on this one.

[Will B Good]

 

Personally I'd limit voting to white males aged 30 to 50.......at 30 you've got some life experience and a lot of skin in the game.......at 50 you have a lot of experience and some skin in the game. 

[JonnyF]

13 hours ago, Social Media said:

Another divisive suggestion from the IPPR involves granting voting rights to approximately five million foreign nationals who are permanent taxpaying residents in the UK. Currently, voting rights are restricted to citizens of the UK, Ireland, and Commonwealth nations.

 

Straight from the US Democrats handbook. 

 

Let loads of people into the country in the hope they vote for you. They'll be letting illegal immigrants vote next. 

 

Maybe they can ban OAP's as well, since they tend to vote Tory and certainly will now that Labour has condemned them to a winter without heating. 

 

They're going to need every trick in the book given how much the country has grown to despise Starmer and his shower of clowns.

[Tiger1980]

It’s the only way the Brit hating Labour Party will get elected at the next GE.