Stephen Twigg MP, Labour’s Shadow Minister for Constitutional and Political Reform, said:

“Labour welcomes the launch of online voter registration and we hope this encourages more people to sign up to vote. Under-registration remains a huge problem in our country – especially amongst younger people. Around half of those aged between 18 and 24 are not registered to vote, compared to just six per cent of those above the age of 65.

“But we are alarmed that the Government’s decision to rush the introduction of Individual Electoral Registration is very likely to reduce levels of registration further. The Government’s own figures show that more than eight million voters risk falling off the register.

“The Government must give councils more time otherwise our democracy could be damaged. Unlike David Cameron Labour is not prepared to take the same risks. We’ve said we’d pull the plug on the move to individual voter registration unless levels of those registered are assured.”

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