Huge change for British expats as 15-year rule scrapped to allow ‘votes for life’

    [ad_1]

    Lord Frost grilled on rights of British expats in the EU

    The Government has scrapped the 15-year voting rule for British expats abroad, it has been claimed. Those living outside the UK will now have “votes for life”. The news came from an announcement by the British High Commission in Nicosia on Thursday, according to Cyprus Mail.

    Andrew Sinclair, a political correspondent for BBC East also appeared to confirm the news in a tweet, writing: “Govt to scrap 15-year voting rule for British expats abroad.

    “They will now have ‘votes for life.'”

    The move was briefly unveiled in the Queen’s Speech earlier this month.

    It marked the end of a 20-year battle by 99-year-old Harry Shindler, who has tirelessly campaigned to give Britons living or working abroad the right to vote.

    Voting rights: British expats abroad are set to be given the right to vote after the 15-year limit

    Voting rights: British expats abroad are set to be given the right to vote after the 15-year limit (Image: GETTY)

    British expats: Thousands of Brits live in European countries like Spain

    British expats: Thousands of Brits live in European countries like Spain (Image: GETTY)

    Mr Shindler, who celebrates his 100th birthday in July, on hearing the news, said: “I might have a glass of wine to celebrate.”

    Many have noted that it will at last give British nationals their “last democratic right” to cast their vote.

    Up until now, British expats could vote in UK elections but only for up to 15 years after leaving the UK.

    The limit has been a long-standing point of contention.

    JUST INGB News chief declares war on Remainers who acted ‘in favour of EU’

    Queen's Speech: The news was first announced at the state opening of Parliament in May

    Queen’s Speech: The news was first announced at the state opening of Parliament in May (Image: GETTY)

    This was especially true during the 2016 Brexit referendum.

    Here, thousands were blocked from voting after finding out they had exceeded the time limit.

    The Minister of State for the Cabinet Office Lord True said: “In an increasingly global and connected world, most British citizens living overseas retain deep ties to the United Kingdom.

    “Many still have family here, have a history of hard work in the UK behind them, and some have even fought for our country.

    DON’T MISS

    Three-year-old child dies in ‘heartbreaking car accident’ [REPORT]
    Boy, 8, left terrified after being ‘abducted’ outside Birmingham home [INSIGHT]
    Under-21s ‘more likely’ to catch Indian Covid claims SAGE member 
    [ANALYSIS] 

    Brexit: Thousands abroad were refused the right to vote in the Brexit referendum

    Brexit: Thousands abroad were refused the right to vote in the Brexit referendum (Image: GETTY)

    UK news: Britons abroad will be pleased they have more of a say in the UK's political discourse

    UK news: Britons abroad will be pleased they have more of a say in the UK’s political discourse (Image: GETTY)

    “These measures support our vision for a truly Global Britain, opening up our democracy to British citizens living overseas who deserve to have their voices heard in our Parliament, no matter where they choose to live.”

    Britons now look set to have more of a say in issues spanning foreign policy, defence, immigration, pensions and trade deals.

    Electors will also be able to reapply for a postal vote or refresh their proxy vote at the same time as renewing their voter registration.

    This will streamline the process, helping to ensure overseas voters have appropriate voting arrangements in place ahead of an election.

    Brexit timeline: Many feared their rights living abroad would fizzle out post-Brexit

    Brexit timeline: Many feared their rights living abroad would fizzle out post-Brexit (Image: Express Newspapers)

    The new bill will also set out guidance in tackling access to voting for electors with disabilities, prevent foreign interference, tackle electoral fraud by post, proxy, in polling stations or through intimidation and undue influence, and increase transparency and accountability within elections.

    It is believed that removing the 15-year limit will come at a cost of around £2.5million.

    Under the proposals, more than 70,000 expats and their children would be eligible to vote in all future UK referendums and elections.

    Channel Islands: There are growing calls for places like Jersey to get the right to vote in the UK

    Channel Islands: There are growing calls for places like Jersey to get the right to vote in the UK (Image: GETTY)

    Some would like the move to go further, however, with all Channel Islanders given the right to vote in Westminster elections.

    Elsewhere, the bill has faced criticism from civil liberties groups, electoral reformers and senior MPs as it will require voters to prove their identity before casting their ballot.

    Many claim this will deter some from voting and discriminate against others.



    [ad_2]

    Previous articleMartin Lewis warns of 'energy crisis' as bills set to soar – 'last chance to do something'
    Next articleKate Garraway weighs in on Dominic Cummings' explosive claims

    LEAVE A REPLY

    Please enter your comment!
    Please enter your name here