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North-east MSP outraged at decision not to extend EU vote franchise

Councillor Christian Allard has been the councillor for Torry and Ferryhill since 2017.
Councillor Christian Allard has been the councillor for Torry and Ferryhill since 2017.

A French-born MSP has said he was “outraged and disheartened” after MPs rejected calls to extend the EU referendum franchise.

Christian Allard, who represents the north-east region, yesterday criticised Conservative and Labour politicians for blocking calls to allow EU citizens living in Scotland like himself and 16-17-year-olds to take part in the vote.

A House of Commons vote on amendment 18, which proposed including EU nationals in the voter franchise, was rejected by 514, with only 71 MP’s voting in favour.

The amendment, which was supported by the SNP, was overwhelmingly opposed by Labour and the Conservatives which means about 90,000 people in Scotland will not have a say on Britain’s place in Europe at the ballot box in 2017.

Mr Allard said: “I am absolutely outraged and disheartened.

“Last year, we saw the engagement of both EU nationals as well as 16-17 year olds in the Scottish democratic process (independence referendum)

“During the parliamentary debate we saw the overwhelming rejection of large groups of people’s right to vote on the future of the country they live and work in.

“I am proud to be a member of the party that sought to include people in the democratic process, not exclude them.”

Mr Allard, 51, who has lived in Scotland for more than 25 years, was unable to take part in the general election last month because of the rules.

He said the argument to extend the franchise was about democracy, inclusion and respect.

Meanwhile, MSPs backed the Scottish Elections (Reduction of Voting Age) Bill yesterday which means 16-year-olds will be able to vote in Holyrood and local government elections from next spring.

Deputy First Minister John Swinney said: “I welcome the broad cross-party support there has been for our proposals that will give young people a permanent voice on matters that affect them.

“Since we first proposed lowering the voting age, I have been extremely impressed by the thoughtful and passionate contributions that young people have made to the debate – Scotland’s young people have made a persuasive case and should be extremely proud of that.”