A GB News broadcast turned heated on Saturday morning as guests debated Reform UK's proposal to prevent people who cannot speak English from voting in elections. Political commentators Matthew Stadlen and Aman Bhogal clashed live on air over the plan, which would require polling station staff to assess whether voters have sufficient English to cast a ballot.
Reform's Election Integrity Bill
Aman welcomed the proposal, saying: "One nation, one vote, one people - if you can't speak English, that's the bottom line here, you should not be able to vote." Matthew, however, slammed the plan and suggested it is a "sign of an authoritarian state".
Published as the "Election Integrity Bill", Reform UK also planned to remove the historic right of Commonwealth citizens to vote, and to ensure election material is only published in languages native to the British Isles, such as English, Welsh or Gaelic, or accessible formats like Braille or BSL.
Clash over fairness and democracy
Aman argued that the change is to "bring integrity back into the system", explaining: "I was born in India, if I was to go back to India as a British citizen, I can't vote. Why should Indians who are here on temporary visas be allowed to vote? Also how is it fair that people here on temporary basis are able to have the same democracy as British citizens, this isn't about making it fair."
Matthew agreed that it is worth having a conversation about whether Commonwealth citizens can vote in the UK, but he disagreed with giving local officials the power to make "on-the-spot decision" about whether anyone is allowed to vote.
"That is a really disgraceful and sinister move, and I want to make that point again, and again," he added. "People in this country can vote according to whatever they want to vote for. I wouldn't vote because of what's going on in some far-flung parts of the world, but that's my right. If I have a right to vote in this country, I can vote for whoever puts themselves forward, that is fundamental democracy. You are talking authoritarian claptrap."
Viewer reactions
Viewers shared their thoughts in the comments, with one disagreeing with Matthew: "The fact that there are enough voters who cannot speak English that this is even an issue means that it is also a problem. I think the answer is to leave translation to friends and relatives rather than remove votes, though. Perhaps it might encourage more to learn English."
Another said: "If they can't speak English, they won't have any interest in British politics, so how do they know who, or what they are voting for?"
