Concerns raised over possible delays in ‘votes for life’ for Britons

A rights campaigner has raised concerns over possible delays with the new law allowing Britons living abroad ‘votes for life’ in the UK.

MPs passed the law in April, meaning Britons moving abroad – who until now lost their vote after 15 years – will now finally regain a vote.

The long-promised change will concern anyone previously registered to vote in the UK and/or who can prove they used to live there.

However, Roger Boaden, a former British in Europe steering group member, pointed out a recent House of Commons Library briefing which says that secondary legislation to allow new voters to register is not expected until 2023.

“If Johnson were to ‘cut and run’ with an early election, and he loses, we will have to wait until the late 2020s, by which time a Labour coalition might have removed the right again.”

The Times reported in March that a senior Downing Street official told staff a general election was possible in autumn 2023. May 2024 is thought to be the most likely date. January 24, 2025, is the latest legal date.

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