MP votes against controversial voter ID plans

In the House of Commons this week, Cumbrian MP Tim Farron voted against controversial plans to force the public to show photo ID at polling stations from next year.

The measures have been heavily criticised for discriminating against young people in particular. Under the regulations, Senior Railcards and Oyster 60+ cards are deemed acceptable forms of photo ID but 16-25 Railcards and Oyster 16+ cards aren't.

Despite this, the proposals were voted through by Conservative MPs by 298 votes to 199 votes.

Locally this means that people wishing to take part in parish council elections that are happening across South Lakeland, Eden and Barrow in May will need to show photo ID in order to cast their vote.

Speaking after the vote, Tim said: "These regulations would mean that photo identification would be required in order to vote - something that millions of people in the UK do not have.

"This is blatantly not about stopping voter fraud. It's about the Conservative Party trying to prevent young people from voting in elections.

"It is absolutely disgraceful that Conservative MPs have voted through these outrageous proposals.

"I would strongly encourage everyone to make sure they avoid this madness and make sure their vote counts by signing up for a postal vote today."