Chamber and committees

My view is that it is important to keep the register up to date, and some people will move in a shorter period than five years. I think of people in the armed services who are posted abroad and would benefit from being reminded to change their postal vote so that they got it on time if there was a snap election, which could happen in Scotland. That could not happen at the moment, obviously, but it might if there were a minority Government.

If the UK Government provided additional funding to ensure that we could bring the period down to three years, would you be more comfortable with it?

Will you consult on that for Scottish elections?

I am more sanguine on expats. They have contributed to their country and should not lose their vote because they have lived abroad for 15 years. That is my opinion and I understand that it is contrary to yours.

I can, and I can see that the minister’s microphone is lit up, so there is a chance that I will be able to hear him now.

You have no idea what you would put in the bill as a sanction for people who practise intimidation at elections.

A yes or no answer would suffice.

Okay. Based on the fact that you and I agree that intimidation should not happen, do you think that five years would be an unreasonable ban?

Minister, with the greatest respect—

I understand that there are strong feelings on both sides. I am looking to find areas in which there could still be compromise. I am trying to investigate that. I understand that, although we all agree that intimidation of witnesses should not happen, there does not appear to be a compromise, so I am happy to leave my questions there.

So, if it was put out to consultation as part of the democratic process and voter ID was agreed to, you as a Government would vote against it and would not push it through the Parliament. That is what you have just said to me. I understand your position, minister—thank you.