Mandatory voter ID plans could bring ‘US-style voter suppression to the UK’, anti-racist and BME organisations have warned today.

The campaigners warn that the scheme would have a disproportionate impact on BME people.

The Runnymede Trust, Hope Not Hate, the Race Equality Foundation, Electoral Reform Society, and Southall Black Sisters highlight the fact that only 52% of black people hold a full driving licence, compared to 76% of white people.

A joint statement says: ‘The government is intent on pushing ahead with a voter ID which will have a disproportionate impact on BME people.

’We are deeply concerned that – since there is no universal ID in the UK – this show-your-papers plan represents an importing of US-style voter suppression to the UK.'