Court date for Brexit vote ban challenge

LAWYERS fighting for long-term British expats living in the EU to have a vote in June’s EU referendum will have their arguments heard in the High Court in London as Connexion went to press.

If successful, the action by Leigh Day on behalf of two expatriates, for judicial review of the EU Referendum Act could force the government to change rules which currently ban expats who have been away from the UK for more than 15 years from taking part.

At the hearing, the court will consider whether to give permission for a judicial review. If it agrees, it will go straight on to consider the issues but it is not known for certain if there will be a judgment immediately or at a later date, however time

is tight if a change is to be made in time to avoid a referendum delay.

The EU Referendum Act is the law which calls for the referendum to be held and sets the rules for it, including saying who can vote.

This comes after Leigh Day, acting for Harry Shindler, 94, who lives in Italy and Jacquelyn MacLennan, from Belgium, lodged papers for private consideration by a judge at the court, who also invited the government to submit its view.

The lawyers hope the hearing will result in the court declaring the voting rules unlawful and that they will then be rapidly changed.