Reading Lib Dems fight for right to vote for all residents

Lib Dem Group Leader Cllr James Moore called a vote to back the “Our Home Our Vote” campaign, submitting a motion that was passed by the majority of Councillors on the Tuesday 27th June 2023 meeting of Reading Borough Council.

Around 38,000 people in Reading were not born in the UK according to the last census. However, despite their contribution to life in Reading, and unlike in Wales and Scotland, not all foreign residents have the right to vote in local elections. This is a result of England’s uneven election laws allowing only a select group of foreign nationals the right to vote.

Recent changes made by the Conservative Government will exacerbate this issue as from next year’s local elections certain EU citizens will have their vote taken away from them. If a resident didn’t move to Britain before 1 January 2021, and is not from Ireland, Malta, Cyprus, Spain, Portugal, Luxembourg or Poland, the resident will be unable to vote. 

Liberal Democrat Group Leader Cllr James Moore’s motion would take action by: 

• Writing to the Government, asking for the vote to be given to all qualifying foreign residents - not just a select group
• Ensuring the Council communicates with residents about the changes - ensuring everyone who still has a vote knows their rights
• Putting a strategy in place to avoid the wrongful removal of EU residents as the council implements these changes

Reading Lib Dem Group Leader Cllr James Moore says:

“Too many Reading residents could lose their voice in next year’s local elections if action is not taken.

“The Liberal Democrats will continue to fight for everyone’s right to vote, while the Conservatives keep their heads in the sand. They abstained on the motion, claiming it 'went against the will of Brexit voters' which was patently untrue.

“Without action on this matter, there will be no one left to challenge the Conservatives’ Trumpian voter policies. I'm pleased that the majority of Councillors in Reading supported our motion, sending a clear message."