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Political Parties and Elections Bill

We are committed to taking steps to bolster registration rates wherever possible. The consultation will give us a clearer picture of the impact of the edited register on people’s willingness to register. At present, we do not have sufficient evidence to support the assertion that the existence of the edited register discourages people from voting. In addition, accepting Amendment 124 may give the impression that the outcome of the consultation has already been determined in favour of Recommendation 19, when that is certainly not the case. Accepting Amendment 122 would also introduce changes that may not necessarily reflect the views of those who respond to the consultation. I hope that noble Lords will agree and will withdraw the amendments.