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NORTH EDITION roundtownnews.com
Issue 696
15 - 21 FEBRUARY 2013
Voting battle goes to Brussels by Jack Troughton
Susto
Baby... just look at you now! WHAT A difference a year makes with baby rhinoceros Susto flourishing in the care and attention she receives at her Terra Natura home. Read the full story on page 15.
COSTA BLANCA mum Jacqui Cotterill takes on the might of the European Union next Tuesday when she demands full voting rights for British expats. The “nervous” mother-of-four will speak in the European Parliament in Brussels and call for those who have taken advantage of the freedom of movement within member states to still have a voice in elections. Jacqui, who lives in the Marina Alta village of Parcent, is taking part in a day’s hearing ‘Making the Most of EU Citizenship’ which will look at practical solutions to overcoming obstacles faced by people in their daily lives – including political rights. She believes it is wrong that people become disenfranchised after moving to another member state and believes the European Commission initiative is an opportunity to address the problem of losing a vote. Currently British citizens can vote in UK elections for 15 years after emigrating but currently have no say in their adoptive Spain – other than in municipal and European elections. In 2006 Jacqui became involved in a successful campaign to halt the massive development of Parcent and its surrounding countryside. It saw her leave the protest group and join the CDP, the Democratic Coalition of Parcent, and become the municipality’s Deputy Mayor – and the party is currently in its second term of office.
CHANGE She told RTN many people said if you wanted to vote in Spain you should change your nationality. “But I am an EU citizen and should not have to change my nationality to vote. “I have been here for 23 three years this year and have not had a vote for eight years. My eldest daughter is 26-years-old and has never had a vote – the other two of age are 24 and 20, while the youngest is 16.” Jacqui said she realised many expats wanted a direct say in the UK’s future. “People have homes there, pay council tax there or have pensions and are paying other taxes and want the 15 year rule scrapped.” An amendment to the 15 year rule in proposed electoral reform legislation was withdrawn in the House of Lords and a review has been promised – but ruling out change “any time soon”. She said: “My petition is calling for the 15year rule to be scrapped so those who want to vote in the UK can do so. LEGAL “Younger people working and paying taxes here and making investments into a future here should be allowed to vote in the country where they are legally resident. That is the situation for European elections; we register to vote here and declare we will not vote in the UK.” Continued on page 3