Plans to change the law around voting have been described as a blatant attempt at voter suppression.
The Prime Minister is to announce his intention to make it mandatory to bring photographic ID to polling stations in order to vote, during a speech to MPs this afternoon.
Already implemented in Northern Ireland, the measures would mean voters had to bring a passport or driving licence, or another form of ID such as a travel card of electoral card, with them to cast their ballots.
It is intended to crack down on impersonation and fraudulent voting, however opposition parties have condemned the plans.
Kirsten Oswald, the SNP’s deputy Westminster leader, said the move was “Trump-like” and an attempt to dissuade voters, particularly those form poorer backgrounds.
She said: “Boris Johnson's Trump-like plans to disenfranchise thousands of voters across Scotland and the UK are an act of blatant Tory voter suppression - and must be stopped.
"There is a very real danger that many lower income, ethnic minority, and younger people will be prevented from voting to fix a problem that doesn't exist. These laws are designed to suppress votes among groups that traditionally vote against the Tories. It's a disgrace.”
Ms Oswald, MP for East Renfrewshire, said the UK Government should “follow Scotland’s lead” by allowing 16-year-olds to vote as well as refugees and those foreign nationals who have leave to remain.
She added: "The SNP is clear - we will reject any such measures for Scottish elections.
"Instead of running scared of democracy and trying to curtail the voting rights of millions of people, the Tory government should follow Scotland's lead.
"The SNP government will continue to stand up and defend those who, time and again, are discriminated against by this UK Tory government. We will continue to be the voice for those who have none.”
The Scottish Greens said Boris Johnson and the Conservatives seemed “desperate to stop people exercising their democratic right, as they have done with their attitude towards Scotland having a say over our future.”
Patrick Harvie, the party’s co-leader, added: “The plans for voter ID is a blatant pitch for voter suppression among those who are more likely to vote this government out.”
Asked about the measures, the Prime Minister's official spokesman defended the plans and said: "We think showing identification to vote is a reasonable approach to combat the inexcusable potential for voter fraud."
He added that a free "local voter card" wold be available to those who do not have other forms of ID.
Asked what evidence there was of a problem actually existing, the spokesman said “there is a potential for fraud which is not acceptable”.
He added: “Everyone wants to maintain the integrity of our democracy and this would bring us in line with not only Northern Ireland but countries such as Canada, many European countries including France, the Netherlands, Sweden – all require a form of identification to vote."
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