§ Andrew MackinlayTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the initiative by Spain to challenge the extension of the European franchise to people of Gibraltar, to limit the franchise to European Union citizens in the United Kingdom and Gibraltar and to exclude Commonwealth citizens. [156455]
§ Mr. MacShaneWe are confident that the European Parliament (Representation) Act is consistent with our EU obligations. A statement by the Commission on 29 October 2003 confirmed that
the UK has organised the extension of voting rights to residents in Gibraltar within the margins of discretion presently given to member states; by the EU law".We have received no official notification that Spain intends to pursue this case to the European Court of Justice. We would defend any such case.