North Ayrshire and Arran MP Patricia Gibson has raised fears that the introduction of voter ID at elections could stop people from heading to the polls.

England's local elections in May were the first in the UK requiring voters to show photo ID, such as a passport or driving licence.

The move came despite advice from the Electoral Commission suggesting that its introduction was delayed until after the council elections.

SNP MP Patricia Gibson claims that the move will “disenfranchise” voters across the UK if it is retained for future elections.

She said: “Evidence from local councils has shown that thousands of voters were disenfranchised, unable to vote as they did not have correct ID.

“Despite this, the UK Government continues to insist that requiring ID in order to vote has been a huge success."

Felicity Buchan MP replied: "Anecdotal feedback is very much so that this has been a successful enterprise.

"We will have our report come November and the Electoral Commission will report in June. We are prepared to learn any lessons learned."

Craig Westwood, director of communications, policy and research, at the Electoral Commission, confirmed that some voters could not cast their ballot due to ID issues.

He explained: “The evidence suggests that the vast majority of voters were able to present an accepted form of ID at the May elections.

“However it also shows that some people were prevented from voting in polling stations due to the requirement, and significantly more did not attempt to because they lacked the required ID.”