Quite frankly I was disappointed at #PVOxford that enfranchising EU citizens was not even seen as a serious option.
From lazy scroungers and criminals, we've now become people who are tolerated bc they make contributions. We're paying guests. 1/
From lazy scroungers and criminals, we've now become people who are tolerated bc they make contributions. We're paying guests. 1/
As long as #PeoplesVote does not enfranchise EU citizens in the UK, we risk becoming very much the topic of the vote (ending free movement still touted as a big win in the deal), not actually being able to influence the vote. 2/
Note that the franchise for the 2016 Referendum was decided under pressure of Brexiters - who rightly discerned EU citizens would vote Remain overwhelmingly. Cameron granted it because he would win anyway. 3/
So I know realistically #PeoplesVote will try to get what it can. But each time I hear "it has to be decided by the people"and I realise I'm not part of the people, don't even get a say in my future (which is looking full of watered-down rights), it's quite sad really. 4/
It's our country too, you know. We may not be UK citizens, but we are still part of this country. Our contributions can't be reduced to net tax contribution - we are family, friends, colleagues, neighbours. 5/
In particular I'm sad that #PVOxford talked about Leave voters as disenfranchised, and in a sense many were, but literally speaking they could actually vote. Whereas we were disenfranchised from a say in our own future (recall Vote Leave saying nothing would change)? 6/
Given that these days a week in politics is a year in normal time, please campaigners for a #PeoplesVote enfranchise us so we get to vote in our own future. It's our future too, it ought to be our choice as well. /ends @Alexa_Kantor
