EU Referendum

ANY-Village.co.uk supports The Telegraph campaign for an EU referendum. It is a revolutionary and exciting thought that...

YOU can have your say via your local Parish Council !

The Dorset village of East Stoke has initiated the first step that may force the UK government to hold a referendum on the EU treaty.

This small local community has put the ball into play and it has been picked up by The Telegraph newspaper who are now running with it. How the process works is explained by Richard Alleyne of The Telegraph in his article about the Parish Council vote in East Stoke of 20-09-2007:

EU Village vote: How it works

Part 3, Schedule 12, paragraph 18, sub-paragraphs 4 and 5 of the 1972 Local Government Act stipulate that if 10 or more local people vote for a poll on any subject of their choosing, their district council is obliged to organise one.

• Join The Telegraph campaign for a vote on the EU treaty
• Email The Telegraph if you are planning a similar vote

This is how it works:

1. Six residents must sign a letter announcing that a parish meeting will take place, at which a motion will be proposed calling for a referendum on the EU treaty.
2. The meeting must be advertised at least seven days in advance and must take place after 6pm.
3. Tell local leaders and the press about the meeting.
4. Ensure at least 10 people on the electoral roll turn up.
5. Propose a motion that a parish poll should be held on whether there should be a referendum on the EU treaty.
6. Make sure the motion is carried by at least 10 electors, or one third of those present.
7. Tell the local authority. Under the Act, the parish poll must be held within 14 to 25 days on a date set by the authority.
8. Canvass the parish.
9. Counting will be carried out by the authority's returning officer.
10. The result has no legal power but will help demonstrate public opinion.

Read the full East Stoke story at:
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2007/09/20/neu120.xml