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| Version 0 | Version 1 |
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| Lord of the Rings star launches Manx EU referendum petition | Lord of the Rings star launches Manx EU referendum petition |
| (about 4 hours later) | |
| A Lord of the Rings star has launched a petition demanding the right to vote in the European Union referendum for those living in British Crown Dependencies. | A Lord of the Rings star has launched a petition demanding the right to vote in the European Union referendum for those living in British Crown Dependencies. |
| Isle of Man resident John Rhys-Davies, 71, said the referendum was "one of the most important [and] constitutionally significant events in recent times". | Isle of Man resident John Rhys-Davies, 71, said the referendum was "one of the most important [and] constitutionally significant events in recent times". |
| He said he was "amazed no-one had raised the issue before" with the United Kingdom government. | He said he was "amazed no-one had raised the issue before" with the United Kingdom government. |
| The Welsh actor was allowed to raise the petition as a British citizen. | The Welsh actor was allowed to raise the petition as a British citizen. |
| UK Prime Minister David Cameron has promised a referendum on whether Britain should remain in the EU by the end of 2017. | UK Prime Minister David Cameron has promised a referendum on whether Britain should remain in the EU by the end of 2017. |
| 'Change lives for a generation' | |
| Mr Rhys-Davies, best known for his portrayal of Gimli in The Lord of the Rings trilogy, said: "Daily life in the Isle of Man, Jersey and Guernsey is affected by EU decision-making and a decision to leave or stay affects all islanders. | Mr Rhys-Davies, best known for his portrayal of Gimli in The Lord of the Rings trilogy, said: "Daily life in the Isle of Man, Jersey and Guernsey is affected by EU decision-making and a decision to leave or stay affects all islanders. |
| "Natural justice requires that islanders have a direct say in such a consequential referendum." | "Natural justice requires that islanders have a direct say in such a consequential referendum." |
| As Isle of Man resident for nearly 30 years he continued: "Even if I did not live on the island I would still champion this cause. | |
| "The British people should all have a say - if any of us have a say." | |
| He added: "I feel very strongly that people of the Isle of Man, Jersey and Guernsey should have their say in a referendum that could change all our lives for a generation. | |
| "I'm just a bloke who is British and proud of it and I want a say." | |
| The UK government will respond to the petition if it attracts 10,000 signatures. It will be considered for a Westminster debate if it receives 100,000. |