2 Sep 2016

British MPs call on Australia to review Norfolk actions

3:14 pm on 2 September 2016

A cross party delegation of British MPs has called on Australia to review its decision to remove the autonomy of Norfolk Island.

Norfolk's limited self-government was removed a year ago and Canberra replaced it in July with a regional council within New South Wales.

Hands up for democracy protest in Norfolk Island

Hands up for democracy protest in Norfolk Island Photo: Facebook: Norfolk Island Under Siege

The changes infuriated many on Norfolk Island who want to change the Australian politicians' mind.

The MPs, two from Britain's ruling Conservative party and one from Labour, were invited to Norfolk by the People for Democracy group, which pleaded with Westminster not to forget about the island.

A Conservative MP Andrew Rosindell said the group was saddened by what Australia had done.

"So I am baffled and I think Australia does need to answer a lot more questions. We leave very sad because the Norfolk Island people seem, to us, deeply hurt about what has happened. And I think there needs to be a review. I appeal to Canberra to rethink what they are doing here."

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