Laurence Dollimore
THE UK government has committed to lifting the 15 year voting ban on British expats living abroad.
In a press release, the UK said it recognises that expats ‘have strong links’ to their homeland while confirming that all those living abroad will be enfranchised to vote.
The statement reads: “The government will today (8 February) restate its commitment to ending the current 15 year time limit on British expats registering as overseas electors.
“As well as removing a time limit on the right to vote for UK citizens living abroad, the government intends to enfranchise any British expats who was previously resident or registered to vote in the UK.
“This is part of the government’s wider ambition to strengthen the foundation of democracy and continually increase voter registration by ensuring every voter’s voice is heard.
“Combined, these changes will mean millions of UK citizens overseas will be eligible to register to vote. British expats – under existing laws – have the lowest level of voter registration of any group.”
Minister for the Constitution Chloe Smith said: “Participation in our democracy is a fundamental part of being British, no matter how far you have travelled from the UK. It is right that we should remove the 15-year time limit on voting rights of British citizens living overseas and allow those who previously lived in the UK the chance to participate in our democracy.
“Expats retain strong links with the United Kingdom: they may have family here, and indeed they may plan to return here in the future. Modern technology and cheaper air travel has transformed the ability of expats to keep in touch with their home country.
“Following the British people’s decision to leave the EU, we need to strengthen ties with countries around the world and show the UK is an outward-facing nation. Our expat community has an important role to play in helping Britain expand international trade, especially given two-thirds of expats live outside the EU.”
This is good news for those senior expats who are victims of the frozen state pension scandal. The half million affected by this injustice will now be able to vote for the politicians who vow to end the theft of pension money by the government.