Human rights over UK’s ‘15-year rule
A JUDGMENT by the European Court of Human Rights over the UK’s “15-year rule” on expat voting could be imminent.
Harry Shindler, 90, a Briton who lives in Italy, took the UK to the court over the fact he is unable to vote in general elections due to having been out of the country for more than 15 years. The court asked Britain to explain its position, stating that in principle EU citizens should be able to vote in the country of their nationality.
Mr Shindler said the UK responded earlier in the year justifying its position on the basis that longterm expats have “broken their ties”. Mr Shindler was invited to respond, and the UK had until October 28 to reply before the court considers its decision in the case, he said. He said he was hopeful a decision may come by the end of the year.
“It’s not true we have broken our ties,” he said. “We visit, our banks are there, we pay tax there. London is an hour from France by train.”
A campaign site inviting people to help challenge the 15-year rule has been set up at www.votes-forexpat-brits.com on the initiative of Christopher Chantrey of Conservatives Abroad.
British Conservative MP Roger Gale backs Mr Shindler but said the UK government feels obliged to contest his claims as they clash with UK law.
However, a “Registration Bill” is planned in January in which changes could be included if it wishes, he said.
He is asking that people alert their MPs to this. Contact details can be found at the website: www.parliament.uk/mps-lords-and-offices/mps/
