HARVIE: FRANCHISE BILL IS A STEP FORWARD
Patrick Harvie, MSP for Glasgow and a member of Holyrood’s Referendum Bill committee, is welcoming today’s approval by Parliament of the Franchise Bill.
Mr Harvie said:
“Giving sixteen and seventeen year olds the vote has long been Scottish Green Party policy and it’s welcome that everyone except the Tories understood the importance of making it happen next September. Whatever the result of the referendum we will continue to campaign for votes at 16 in all elections.
“I’m disappointed my amendments on referendum votes for prisoners did not find favour. Scotland risks being out of step with human rights and an opportunity to aid rehabilitation has been missed.
“Now the franchise has been agreed by Parliament we look forward to the publication of the Government’s white paper in the autumn, and Scottish Greens will continue to reach out to undecided voters, highlighting the opportunities to transform our society by voting Yes.”