Policy paper

Interministerial Group for Elections and Registration Communique: 12 February 2025

Published 25 March 2025

The Interministerial Group (IMG) for Elections and Registration met on 12 February 2025 by video conference.

The meeting was chaired by Rushanara Ali MP, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State in the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government. The other attending ministers were:

From the UK Government:

• Fleur Anderson MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Northern Ireland

From the Welsh Government:

• Jayne Bryant MS, Cabinet Secretary for Housing and Local Government

From the Scottish Government:

• Apologies from Jamie Hepburn MSP, Minister for Parliamentary Business, who was unable to attend. Scottish Government officials were in attendance

Minister Ali welcomed Ministers and invited attendees to introduce themselves as the membership of the group has changed significantly since the last meeting. All Ministers agreed that the IMG would be an important forum for continued sharing of information and ideas as the different Governments take forward their elections and registration agendas and recommitted to ensuring regular meetings.

Minister Ali reflected that the UK Government is committed to a collaborative approach with colleagues from across the UK, sharing good practice and learning from experiences and different approaches. This reflection was welcomed by and echoed by all Ministers. Officials will continue close working to develop forthcoming policy reforms in a way that works across the UK.

Minister Anderson updated on Northern Ireland’s electoral activities, highlighting the interest from the Youth Parliament in Northern Ireland around the extension of the voting franchise to 16-year-olds.

On behalf of Minister Hepburn, Scottish Government officials welcomed the progress of the Absent Voting (Elections in Scotland and Wales) Private Members’ Bill. Officials also highlighted the recently enacted Elections Reform and Representation Act in Scotland.

Cabinet Secretary Bryant provided an update on  the recent Royal Assent for two Welsh reform Bills: The Senedd Cymru Members and Elections Act 2024 and the Elections and Elected Bodies (Wales) Act 2024 and noted the wider ongoing work in Wales in electoral reform, with a particular focus on accessibility and participation.

Ministers noted the Absent Voting (Elections in Scotland and Wales) Private Members’ Bill, the Bill having passed its Second Reading recently. All agreed that the goal of extending online absent vote applications to devolved polls was a vital one and, should the legislation succeed, officials should collaborate to implement it as quickly and efficiently as possible.

Minister Ali then provided an update on UK Government electoral reform plans, highlighting the ambitious set of reforms proposed in the manifesto, including extending the franchise for reserved elections to 16- and 17-year-olds, improving registration, strengthening political finance rules, and reviewing voter identification. She also noted the importance of the review of electoral registration and conduct, which will have benefits for election delivery in all four nations. All Ministers committed to continuing to discuss these matters as the work develops.

Minister Ali thanked Ministers for their comments and reiterated the UK Government’s commitment to collaborating closely with colleagues in Scotland and Wales.

Minister Ali thanked all attendees and closed the meeting.

The Welsh Government will chair the next IMG.