The EU referendum puts our free movement rights at risk. Everyone affected must have a vote

One of the most positive aspects of the #LibDemFightback since May has been the enthusiasm among our influx of new members to fight for a Yes vote in the forthcoming EU referendum.

A recent survey found this was their number one reason (quoted by 84%) for joining the party. With the government gearing up for a vote as early as June next year, there is no doubt that Liberal Democrats must play a central role, both in the campaign and - crucially - the passage of the Referendum Bill, which defines the question, timetable, and franchise.

Incredibly though, the government looks set on excluding from the referendum the very people whose lives will be most directly affected by the result. Britain is now home to around 2.4 million citizens from other EU countries - who are, incidentally, among those who contribute most to our economy and society. Meanwhile, an estimated 2.2 million British citizens live in other EU countries. Both groups owe their residence to the free movement rights which stem directly from EU citizenship - yet under current plans, neither will have an automatic say in the referendum which will determine where they are allowed to live and work.

This could lead to the disgraceful scenario whereby millions of people who have come to our country in good faith lose their residence rights and are forced to leave Britain (or move back) against their will, as a result of a referendum in which they were barred from voting. Without even entering into the merits of a yes or a no vote, it is hard to think of a less fair or democratic way of making fundamental decisions about how people are allowed to live their lives.

Add to this the fact that some EU citizens will actually have a vote (the Maltese and Cypriots - by virtue of their membership of the Commonwealth - as well as the Irish), and the situation becomes absurd. Similarly, only Brits living in another EU country for less than 15 years will be eligible to vote, while the rest will be denied this right. Ironically (or tragically), the government has itself proposed a 'Votes for Life' Bill to let all expats vote in perpetuity at general elections - but only plan to bring this forward after the referendum. In the EU referendum, it seems, some votes are more equal than others.

Liberal Democrats must expose this travesty of democracy and fight for all those most affected by the EU referendum to have an equal vote, including - it goes without saying - those aged 16-18, who will have to live with the consequences longer than most of us. At conference next month, we will debate a motion on the EU referendum. If you're a voting rep and would like to back my amendment extending the franchise to all EU citizens in the UK and all UK citizens in the EU, please get in touch.

* Giles Goodall is a Lib Dem European Parliamentary Candidate for South East England.