Councillors showed their support for residents taking part in “the most important decision in many generations”, but rowed over whether a local council meeting was the place to be discussing international affairs.
From March: ‘The most important political event in two generations’: Chris Grayling holds Epsom Brexit meeting
Epsom and Ewell Borough Council approved a motion encouraging residents to take part in the EU Referendum at a full council meeting on Tuesday, April 19.
But despite 11 councillors voting in favour of the motion, 22 councillors abstained, with some claiming that it was “overstepping their mark” to encourage political participation.
Labour Councillor Vince Romagnuolo (pictured above) put forward the motion that: “Epsom and Ewell Borough Council unreservedly supports this referendum and encourages all residents to study the information available and participate in the debate before voting on the day.”
He added: “This is the most important decision the British people have to make in many generations.”
But Residents’ Association Councillor Eber Kington (pictured above) – one of 22 councillors who abstained from the vote – felt the debate was inappropriate.
He said: “It is a momentous issue, but not one which a local councillor with a local remit, I should be commenting on, and certainly not one on which I should be advising people.
“The moment I start telling my residents how to vote or, indeed, to vote, I am overstepping my mark.”
The EU Referendum will be held on June 23.
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