None of them will be able to vote in today’s EU Referendum, but these three Europeans living and working in Salford give their thoughts on the most important vote in a generation.
Polling booths are open across the city today, Thursday 23 June.
By Friday morning we will have the country’s answer to the question: “Should the United Kingdom remain a member of the European Union or leave the European Union?”
The result will, either way, fundamentally change the character of Britain and British politics.
Three non-voters today give their opinions on what Brexit would look like and how it might affect the country.
Vincenza, from Italy, said: “If the UK decides to leave, as an immigrant, I will have more restrictions.
“But at the same time the UK will have restrictions if they want to have business with European Union countries.
“I don’t take any benefits because I have a permanent contract.
“My idea, like a lot of European citizens, is not to come here to take English benefits because we can get these benefits in our own country, but to improve our lives, our lifestyles, to learn also more skills and competance.”
Sobi, from Hungary, added: “In my opinion, [if they leave] the economic situation will be worse for the British people.
“For me, as a European Union citizen I can leave Great Britain so it’s not a problem for me.
“But I think they need us.
“They need my work, they need my tax.”
Receptionist Maria, who works in a gym, said: “If it became too difficult to work I would probably try somewhere else, like Germany, or France even.”
Sobi added: “I love this country, but to be honest I don’t want to live here.
“It’s not because of the economic situation or because of problems, or the voting, it’s because of the weather!”
SalfordOnline.com’s Italian work placement student Roberta Barcella produced this video.
