Register Now or Lose Your Voice!

Going around Lambeth and Southwark, where I work and live, I am constantly astounded by the number of people who do not realise that there will be an election for the European Parliament on June 4th. With over 60% of legislation, particularly environmental legislation, emanating from Brussels, it is essential that people turn out and vote. In Lambeth, for example, we have one of the largest Portugese communities outside Lisbon. Last Sunday, crossing Kennington Park, I witnessed the celebration of Madeira Day, with hundreds of Portugese residents celebrating in the park and listening to Portuges folk music from musicians done up in their colourful costumes. It is important that all our fellow EU citizens know that they have a voice on June 4th. As an Irish citizen myself, I am very aware of this international and European dimension to living in Europe's largest city.



The European elections are taking place on Thursday 4 June – are you ready to have your say? One in five Londoners, that's over 1 million people, who are eligible to vote may not register in time. If you’re one of those people, you could miss your chance to choose who represents you and your city in Europe. The European Parliament makes decisions that have a direct impact on every Londoner. Crucial legislation on a vast range of issues, from air pollution and climate change to rights at work and asylum, is set at the European level.

All UK, EU and Commonwealth citizens living in London are eligible to vote, but you must be registered on the electoral roll. The deadline for registering is Tuesday 19 May. For advice and information visit www.aboutmyvote.co.uk or call 020 7271 0500. You need to vote to have a voice – make sure nothing stops you. If this doesn't apply to you, but you can think of someone it might, please pass it on!