Britain s photo ID system undermines the democracy it is trying to preserve
Parisa HashempourMay 22, 2021, 19:28 IST
A voter leaves a polling location in the UK.Leon Neal/AFP/Getty Images
The Queen announced that
elections.
In a country where an estimated quarter of voters lack ID, the move undermines democracy and disproportionately harms marginalized citizens.
With extraordinarily low levels of electoral fraud conviction in the UK, the scheme will fortify the Conservatives stronghold and is an expensive distraction from much-needed social reform.
Parisa Hashempour is a freelance journalist and International Studies lecturer living in the Netherlands.
This is an
opinion column. The thoughts expressed are those of the author.
Leon Neal/AFP/Getty Images
The Queen announced that UK citizens will need photo ID to vote in upcoming elections.
In a country where an estimated quarter of voters lack ID, the move undermines democracy and disproportionately harms marginalized citizens.
With extraordinarily low levels of electoral fraud conviction in the UK, the scheme will fortify the Conservatives stronghold and is an expensive distraction from much-needed social reform.
Parisa Hashempour is a freelance journalist and International Studies lecturer living in the Netherlands.
This is an opinion column. The thoughts expressed are those of the author.
In the UK two weeks ago, the Queen s speech laid out the British government s plans for post-pandemic reform. Rather than deliver on long-awaited changes to social care, protection for women, or rent reform, the Conservative government announced the implementation of an electoral integrity bill.
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Kilkenny to receive €43,427 in funding for biodiversity projects
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The Green Party in Kilkenny have welcomed the allocation of €43,427 for biodiversity projects in Kilkenny as part of the Local Authority Biodiversity Grant Scheme.
The Minister of State with responsibility for Heritage and Electoral Reform, Malcolm Noonan TD, announced that all 31 Local Authorities have received funding under the scheme, with a total of €1.35 million made available in 2021.
Cllr Maria Dollard has welcomed the investment in Kilkenny’s biodiversity.
“This is great news for Kilkenny and especially the projects that utilise Citizen Science data gathering. We know that people care about nature, it matters to them. There has never been greater demand for healthy nature. This funding will see investment in projects driven by education, citizen science, awareness and action projects about pollinators, invasive species and birds. “