rights

Disenfranchised in the 21st Century

Posted on 16. Mar, 2011 by catherine in abroad, elections, expats, rights, vote

In a modern Western democracy how can a huge number of honest, tax-paying individuals find themselves outside the voting process, disenfranchised and voiceless?

This is the situation facing thousands of British expats living in Spain right now who fall foul of the gap between UK and Spanish legislation.

Elizabeth is an English teacher from Kent who moved to Catalunya seven years ago. Since she came to Spain she has maintained her postal vote in the UK, but in eight years that will expire and she will no longer qualify to vote in British elections. While she is able to vote in local Spanish and European elections Spain only allows nationals to vote in general elections.

So where does that leave her? Quite simply, without a vote.

If she wishes to vote fully in Spain Elizabeth must become a Spanish citizen, if they accept her. It is a complicated, lengthy legal process which also involves formally renouncing her British nationality in front of a judge and swearing allegiance to the Spanish crown.

Pub Landlady 1 - 0 Premier League

Posted on 04. Feb, 2011 by catherine in europe, judge, landlady, pub, rights

As readers of my blog will know I’m not a huge football fan, but I am a European so I was delighted to hear that a UK pub landlady could be about to win a match against Sky Sports and the Premier League. 

The case brought by Karen Murphy, landlady of The red, white and blue pub in Portsmouth, could make changes to the way Premiership games are shown, if the European Court of Justice rules in her favour.

Ms Murphy refused to pay the £480 per month subscription which Sky charge pubs to be able to show Premiership games. Instead she bought a package from Greek company Nova at just £118. The Football Association Premier League prosecuted Ms Murphy who was forced to pay £8,000 in fines and costs, but she has appealed to ECJ. Yesterday EU judge, Advocate General Juliane Kokott advised the court to find in favour of Ms Murphy saying that the the block breached EU laws.

If the court does indeed find in Ms Murphy’s favour it could have huge implications for the way films, music and sports are shown within the EU. Can they be licensed on a country-by-country basis or not? 

Catherinedolan.net © 2010 All Rights Reserved