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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."
The UK government will respond to the petition if attracts 10,000 signatures and it will be considered for a Westminster debate if it receives 100,000. 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.