Moved by
Lord Wallace of Saltaire
149: After Clause 12, insert the following new Clause—
“Creation of overseas constituencies
(1) Within six months of the passing of this Act, and prior to section 12 coming into force, the Secretary of State must lay a report before Parliament on proposals for overseas constituencies.
(2) A report under subsection (1) must consider proposals on—
(a) the most suitable deployment of overseas constituencies;
(b) the ratio of nationals per MP;
(c) the impact on existing UK constituencies;
(d) the local administration of ballots;
(e) the appointment of returning officers; and
(f) the form of proportional representation best suited to electing Members of Parliament to represent overseas constituencies.
(3) In preparing a report under subsection (1) the Secretary of State must consult—
(a) the Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee of the House of Commons;
(b) the Constitution Committee of the House of Lords;
(c) the appropriate committees of the Scottish Parliament, Senedd Cymru and the Northern Ireland Assembly;
(d) the Electoral Commission;
(e) the Association of Electoral Administrators; and
(f) any other person they consider appropriate.”
Member’s explanatory statement
This amendment requires the Secretary of State to report on the creation of overseas constituencies.