Former Labour figures, including peers, push for compulsory voting in the UK, arguing it would curb distorted results and strengthen democracy.

Baroness Jan Royall plans to table an amendment to the Government’s Representation of the People Bill that would introduce compulsory voting, potentially with a £10 fine and exemptions for those unable to participate.

A global academic coalition is preparing a letter urging No. 10 to act, highlighting turnout inequalities that threaten fair representation.

The academics warn turnout disparities undermine democratic legitimacy and call for action to address these gaps.

Researchers from multiple regions plan to press the Prime Minister to act, arguing turnout differences skew demographics and erode legitimacy.

The proposed policy would apply to all eligible citizens, with provisions for abstentions via blank or spoiled ballots, modeled after Belgium and Australia where turnout is high.

The Representation of the People Bill is slated for Lords debate at committee stage, with a date to be announced.

The government says the bill focuses on removing participation barriers and will progress through the Lords in committee, with automated registration and 16-year-olds voting as possible elements.

Prime Minister and ministers advocate a cautious, incremental approach to boosting turnout, considering compulsory voting as a longer-term option while pursuing barrier-removal and 16-year-old voting now.

A YouGov poll shows divided views on compulsory voting, with 43% in favour and 47% opposed; reforms aim to lower barriers and extend suffrage within the Representation of the People Bill.

Supporters cite Belgium and Australia as models, noting Australia’s 2025 turnout around 91% versus the UK’s 60% in 2024 to illustrate potential gains.

Kinnock and Lord Blunkett are expected to back a parliamentary push for a compulsory voting amendment tied to the Representation of the People Bill.