Time to lobby for ‘votes for life’

Ending the so-called 15-year rule and giving ‘votes for life’ was a Conservative election promise at the last two British general elections, but has so far not been put into a government bill – however, a private member’s bill on the topic will have a ‘second reading’ next month.

The Overseas Elector’s Bill 2017-19, by Welsh MP Glynn Davis, had a first reading last July, but that was just a formality – the second reading, on February 23, is when it is expected to have an MPs’ debate.

Although private members’ bills are often seen as unimportant, campaigner for the ECREU group for Britons in the EU Brian Cave said if enough MPs attend the debate “it is most likely the government will take over the bill and push it through to victory”.

Mr Cave said many long-term British expats feel “abandoned” by the government, because of the rule which cuts off their vote after 15 years, which is an exception in the EU. Most countries, such as France, allow their citizens votes for life. The rule also meant long-term expats could not vote in the EU referendum, as it was mostly restricted to people able to vote in parliamentary elections.

“I know it is tedious, but we must take action and lobby,” said Mr Cave. “I’m asking people to write to their MP, beseeching them to attend the debate on February 23.”

He added that writing a letter may have more impact than an email. “The MP's assistant has to open it and read it – emails too easily get passed over – the MP gets swamped with them.”

Britons abroad can find their British MP (the person representing the last UK constituency where you were a registered voter) at this link.

Among those backing the bill is Second World War veteran and expat rights campaigner Harry Shindler, who lives in Italy.

Mr Shindler, 96, visited Westminster last week to promote ‘votes for life’ and meet MPs including Mr Davis and the Minister for the Constitution, Chloe Smith, who last week reaffirmed the government’s intention to ‘scrap the 15-year rule’.

Ms Smith said in a speech last Thursday that the government would “shortly” publish further details of what they intend to do about votes for life before the next general election in 2022.