Unlock Democracy: Goldsmith's proposals would deny 6,000 British soldiers the vote

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Tuesday, 11, Mar 2008 12:00

Unlock Democracy has attacked Lord Goldsmith's proposals to remove voting rights from citizens of Commonwealth countries resident in the UK on the grounds that it would disenfranchise more than 6,000 soldiers currently serving in the British Army.

The number of Commonwealth soldiers serving in the British Army has risen sharply over the past decade, from around 400 in 2000 to 6,000 in 2007 (source: BBC). Lord Goldsmith is proposing that their right to vote in the UK as Commonwealth citizens should be removed.

Commenting on the review, Director of Unlock Democracy Peter Facey said:

"Commonwealth soldiers already complain about being treated as second class soldiers. Lord Goldsmith's proposals would entrench this into British law if implemented.

"It is a gross insult to expect soldiers to die for this country while removing their right to have a say. We should not be so quick to pull up the drawbridge in the way that Goldsmith suggests but should instead treasure our history and rich cultural links with Commonwealth countries around the world."

ENDS

Notes:

1. Unlock Democracy is the joint campaign of Charter 88 and the New Politics Network promoting democratic renewal and active engagement in the political process.

2. For more information, a quote or an interview, please contact James Graham on 020 7278 4443 / 07966 237550.