Ahead of the House of Lords Second Reading Debate, UK EPP seeks equality in the EU Referendum vote.
“This Referendum is about Britain’s long-term future. The young - those aged 16 years and above - therefore have a particular right to vote,” comments 4 Freedoms Party (UK EPP) leader Dirk Hazell.
“Ending selective discrimination against EU nationals would also evidence the Westminster Parliament’s commitment to fairness and law. We of course warmly welcome residents of Gibraltar and nationals of Cyprus, Ireland and Malta being entitled to vote. However - although discrimination between EU citizens on grounds of nationality is forbidden by the Treaties agreed by the British Parliament (Article 18 TFEU) - the Government proposes to disqualify other EU citizens lawfully resident in the UK, the overwhelming majority,” he states.
“We hope all nationals of all EU Member States lawfully resident in the UK will also be allowed to vote in this Referendum in which they have a valid interest. This cannot undo the Government’s unlawful disqualification of an estimated 70% of non-British EU Nationals in the 2014 European election (in breach of Article 20(2)(b) TFEU) or its pressure on the British media to suppress until after that election its presidential character, but it would help to create a level playing field more consistent with the letter and spirit of relevant British and EU law. It would also end the divisive and unacceptable inconsistency of a lawfully elected parliamentarian within the UK being disqualified from voting in the referendum,” he concludes.
“This Referendum is about Britain’s long-term future. The young - those aged 16 years and above - therefore have a particular right to vote,” comments 4 Freedoms Party (UK EPP) leader Dirk Hazell.
“Ending selective discrimination against EU nationals would also evidence the Westminster Parliament’s commitment to fairness and law. We of course warmly welcome residents of Gibraltar and nationals of Cyprus, Ireland and Malta being entitled to vote. However - although discrimination between EU citizens on grounds of nationality is forbidden by the Treaties agreed by the British Parliament (Article 18 TFEU) - the Government proposes to disqualify other EU citizens lawfully resident in the UK, the overwhelming majority,” he states.
“We hope all nationals of all EU Member States lawfully resident in the UK will also be allowed to vote in this Referendum in which they have a valid interest. This cannot undo the Government’s unlawful disqualification of an estimated 70% of non-British EU Nationals in the 2014 European election (in breach of Article 20(2)(b) TFEU) or its pressure on the British media to suppress until after that election its presidential character, but it would help to create a level playing field more consistent with the letter and spirit of relevant British and EU law. It would also end the divisive and unacceptable inconsistency of a lawfully elected parliamentarian within the UK being disqualified from voting in the referendum,” he concludes.
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