§ Lord Stoddart of Swindonasked Her Majesty's Government:
What is the relevant United Kingdom statute, European treaty or legislative basis for the rights of citizens of member states of the European Union, resident in the United Kingdom, to nominate, vote for or become members of local and regional government bodies and of the European Parliament. [HL5030]
§ Lord FilkinCouncil Directives 93/109/EC of 6 December 1993 and 94/80/EC of 19 December 1994, implementing article 8B of the Maastricht Treaty, allow any EU citizen to vote and stand as a candidate in their member state of residence in European Parliamentary and municipal elections, respectively. Directive 93/109/EC was implemented in the UK by the European Parliamentary Elections (Changes to the Franchise and Qualification of Representatives) Regulations 1994 (SI 1994/342). Directive 94/80/EC was implemented in the UK by the Local Government Elections (Changes to the Franchise and Qualification76WA of Members) Regulations 1995 (SI 1995/1948). Further Regulations—the Local and European Parliamentary Elections (Registration of Citizens of Accession States) Regulations 2003 (SI 2003/1557)— aimed at including citizens of Accession States resident in the UK were made in June 2003.