I am delighted to set the record straight (letters 13 Dec) about the debate in Colchester City Council’s December meeting. A motion proposed by Green and Labour councillors wanted to allow people of any nationality to vote in local elections, even if they had only arrived the previous week.
I spoke as someone who has myself been a long-term resident of two countries in Asia. When I lived in Pakistan, I learned the language, wore local clothes, ate local food – and I hope as an aid worker contributed much to the local community. However, it would have been completely inappropriate for me to demand the “right” to vote. I was a guest in their country and knew that at some point I would return to the UK.
The reason all Conservative councillors voted against this motion was that it sought to remove the distinction between being a British citizen and being a temporary resident. Being a citizen is about identity and which country your ultimate loyalty is to. It carries both rights, such as voting, and responsibilities. Those responsibilities can include being required to fight for your country in time of war – as our friends in Ukraine are sadly now only too well aware.
There is a well-established pathway to citizenship for those born overseas who make this country their permanent home. It involves several years’ UK residency and taking the UK citizenship test to ensure they understand our historic British values. Essex County Council then hosts a wonderful ceremony where new British citizens swear an oath of loyalty and are awarded a certificate of citizenship.
I would gently challenge those demanding the “right” to vote or become a local councillor, ‘why are you not prepared to give that commitment of loyalty to the UK?’
Dr Martin Parsons
Colchester City Councillor for Mersea and Pyefleet (Cons)
I spoke as someone who has myself been a long-term resident of two countries in Asia. When I lived in Pakistan, I learned the language, wore local clothes, ate local food – and I hope as an aid worker contributed much to the local community. However, it would have been completely inappropriate for me to demand the “right” to vote. I was a guest in their country and knew that at some point I would return to the UK.
The reason all Conservative councillors voted against this motion was that it sought to remove the distinction between being a British citizen and being a temporary resident. Being a citizen is about identity and which country your ultimate loyalty is to. It carries both rights, such as voting, and responsibilities. Those responsibilities can include being required to fight for your country in time of war – as our friends in Ukraine are sadly now only too well aware.
There is a well-established pathway to citizenship for those born overseas who make this country their permanent home. It involves several years’ UK residency and taking the UK citizenship test to ensure they understand our historic British values. Essex County Council then hosts a wonderful ceremony where new British citizens swear an oath of loyalty and are awarded a certificate of citizenship.
I would gently challenge those demanding the “right” to vote or become a local councillor, ‘why are you not prepared to give that commitment of loyalty to the UK?’
Dr Martin Parsons
Colchester City Councillor for Mersea and Pyefleet (Cons)
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