Those not registered to vote should not be able to claim benefits, according to the MP for Mitcham and Morden.

Siobhain McDonagh proposed a new bill in Parliament on Wednesday, July 17, which would make it compulsory for benefit seekers to register with the electoral commission - or forfeit the right to benefits and public services such as a driving licences.

On proposing the electoral register bill, she said: "My bill has two purposes: to prevent the creation of a new underclass of the disenfranchised, and to fight crime.

"By making it mandatory to be on the electoral register to access public services like tax credits, housing benefits or even a driving licence, we will ensure nobody is excluded from our democracy.

"If you don’t want to live in a democracy and play by our rules, fine.

"But they shouldn't expect to get the rewards of living in a democracy in return."

Latest statistics from the Electoral Commission show around £6m people in the UK are not registered to vote made up largely of young people, people on low incomes, ethnic minorities and people with disabilities.

Currently people are registered to vote by household with the head of the home responsible for ensuring all eligible are included.

However as of 2014 a new system of individual voter registration will be introduced whereby everyone will be expected to register individually which Ms McDonagh believes will lead to a further decline in registration.

The bill has been described as "negative" by opposition councillors who fear it would lead to vulnerable people missing out on vital services.

Liberal Democrat Councillor Mary-Jane Jeanes said: "I want everyone to use their right to vote - and councils and political parties should do everything they can to get people on the electoral roll.

"However, I am disappointed that Siobhain McDonagh’s approach is so negative.

"She says she wants to avoid the 'creation of a new underclass of the disenfranchised', and yet if her fears come to pass and lots of people drop off the electoral roll, her new law would deprive vulnerable groups from access to vital public services."

It is the second time Ms McDonagh has moved the bill having first put the idea forward in 2011.

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