Good news on expat votes

THERE is good news for expats as a British MP today won the right to a second reading for his bill proposing an end to the 15-year limit on expat voting rights.

MP for the Cotswolds Geoffrey Clifton-Brown presented his ‘10-minute bill’ to the House of Commons today, explaining his reasons as to why he believes British citizens abroad should have the vote.

A ‘10-minute’ bill is in practice often just an opportunity for an MP to air a subject of concern and it does not necessarily go any further – so today’s news has been seen as an encouraging sign.

The second reading has been slated for March 6, when a debate is expected to be held.

Expat rights campaigner Brian Cave called it a ‘small step towards proper representation’.

He said: “Mr Clifton-Brown spoke very well on the subject and the result is pleasing, so far.”

Second World War veteran Harry Shindler, from Italy, who has been tireless in his attempts to oppose the voting limit, has been in London this week helping Mr Clifton-Brown to promote the bill.