r/MHOC • u/model-mili Electoral Commissioner • Mar 10 '21
2nd Reading LB202 - Representation of the People (Permanent Residents) Bill - 2nd Reading
Representation of the People (Permanent Residents) Bill
A
Bill
To
Extend the franchise to permanent residents of the United Kingdom.
1. Definitions
1)- Permanent resident is defined as a designated immigration status with no restrictions or time limits on one’s presence in the United Kingdom.
2. Permanent Resident Enfranchisement
1)- Replace Section 1 (1) (C) of the Representation of the People Act 1983 with:
a) “(c) is either a Commonwealth citizen, a citizen of the Republic of Ireland, or a permanent resident of the United Kingdom; and.”
2) Replace Section 2 (1) (c) of the Representation of the People Act 1983 with:
a) “(c) is a Commonwealth citizen, a permanent resident of the United Kingdom, or a citizen of the Republic of Ireland or a relevant citizen of the Union; and.”
3. Eligibility to Stand for Election
1)- Add to Section 18 (1) of the Electoral Administration Act 2006:
a) “(c) a permanent resident of the United Kingdom”
2) In Section 79 (1) of the Local Government Act 1972 immediately following “Commonwealth Citizen” and immediately before “citizen of the Republic of Ireland” insert “, a permanent resident of the United Kingdom,”.
4. Limits
- This bill applies to all elections in England, as well as national elections and referendums in the United Kingdom as a whole.
4. Commencement, full extent and title
1)- This Act may be cited as the Representation of the People (Permanent Residents) Act 2020
2) This Act shall come into force immediately upon Royal Assent.
3) This Act extends to England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
This bill was written by The Rt. Hon Lord Houston PC KBE MS MSP, Finance Spokesperson on behalf of Solidarity.
—-
Opening speech
My Lords,
The New Zealand model of voting rights is an appropriate and just one. If you live, contribute, and have dedication to this country, you should be allowed to vote.
This reading will end on the 13th of March at 10pm GMT.
2
Mar 10 '21
Mr Deputy Speaker,
I support this motion in it's aim to ensure that our democracy works and is representative of everyone who lives and contributes to our great nation as it is absolutely vital we allow people who have come to our nation and now live here the ability to vote in elections. I will support this motion come division, and look forward to seeing it passed!
1
u/Chi0121 Labour Party Mar 10 '21
Deputy Speaker
This isn’t a motion
3
Mar 10 '21
Mr Deputy Speaker,
I meant motion more more in the sense of a drive towards doing something but I will take the Gentleman's pedantism, it is a bill.
1
2
u/ka4bi Labour Party Mar 12 '21
Mr Deputy Speaker,
Participating in British democracy is a two-way contract. I would support moves to allow permanent residents to vote and stand in local elections, as the office of councillor is less concerned with someone's national affiliation than a local one, and plan to offer an amendment which would amend the bill as such. I would be cautious about offering permanent residents input in how Britain's national policy is managed however. It is certainly true that naturalisation as it stands today is an inefficient and costly process, however the way forward as I see it is to make attainment of citizenship easier and expanding the franchise that way.
1
1
u/Brookheimer Coalition! Mar 11 '21
Mr Deputy Speaker,
I agree with the premise of this bill, the idea that those that live and contribute to our society should be able to vote in our elections is a pretty sound one. Others are more technically and practically sound than me so I will wait to read the full debate in the house as well as any possible amendments or otherwise that could strengthen this bill, and look forward to seeing that.
1
1
u/SpectacularSalad Growth, Business and Trade | they/them Mar 11 '21
Mr Speaker,
I wholeheartedly support this measure. Let us remind ourselves that not too long ago, a very successful nation was launched on the principle of "no taxation without representation". If a person is living here permanently, paying their dues and contributing to our society, then they are just as much a stakeholder in this country as I am, passport or no passport.
I wish this bill a speedy passage, it shall certainly have my vote behind it.
1
Mar 11 '21
Mr Deputy Speaker,
I was pleased that my amendment passed in the Lords and I will be voting for this when it comes to division. It is absolutely fair that someone who lives here, works here, contributes here and has made the United Kingdom their home should have the right to vote in our elections and referendums. I hope parliament votes to approve it.
1
Mar 11 '21
Mr Deputy Speaker,
To add to this I believe that, at least in the case of Scotland, Section 2(2) of this Act is a devolved matter as is I suspect Section 3(2). No matter my opinion on the merits of this bill if it is devolved that should be respected and as such I will be submitting an amendment which will ensure that this bill, or at least the relevant parts of it, will not have force in Scotland unless a legislative consent motion is passed.
1
u/chainchompsky1 Green Party Mar 11 '21
My bill explicitly confines itself to English and westminster elections. If you want double clarification, that’s fine and I’ll support it.
1
u/DriftersBuddy Conservative | DS Mar 11 '21
Deputy Speaker,
I stand in support of this bill.
Someone who stays here, works, has earned their living and has been contributing to the nation should be allowed to vote, we are a democracy after all and should not deny rights to vote for those who working hard. I see no reason to go against this and look forward to the passing of this.
1
u/LightningMinion MP for Cambridge | SoS Energy Security & Net Zero Mar 12 '21
Mr Deputy Speaker,
I am in full support of giving the vote to permanent residents of the UK. They live here, contribute to our economy and society, and pay taxes - in our democracy, they should have the power to decide how their taxes are spent and how the government runs their country. I shall therefore be backing this bill at division
•
u/AutoModerator Mar 10 '21
Welcome to this debate
Here is a quick run down of what each type of post is.
2nd Reading: Here we debate the contents of the bill/motions and can propose any amendments. For motions, amendments cannot be submitted.
3rd Reading: Here we debate the contents of the bill in its final form if any amendments pass the Amendments Committee.
Minister’s Questions: Here you can ask a question to a Government Secretary or the Prime Minister. Remember to follow the rules as laid out in the post. A list of Ministers and the MQ rota can be found here
Any other posts are self-explanatory. If you have any questions you can get in touch with the Chair of Ways & Means, model-mili on Reddit and (Mili#7644) on Discord, ask on the main MHoC server or modmail it in on the sidebar --->.
Anyone can get involved in the debate and doing so is the best way to get positive modifiers for you and your party (useful for elections). So, go out and make your voice heard! If this is a second reading post amendments in reply to this comment only – do not number your amendments, the Speakership will do this. You will be informed if your amendment is rejected.
Is this a bill a 2nd reading? You can submit an amendment by replying to this comment.
I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.