British Expat Voting Rights Under Review

Legislation that stops British Expats from being able to vote after they have lived abroad for over 15 years may change

London, UK (Pryce Warner International) October 20th, 2011 – Mark Harper MP commented that the British government are “considering” changing Expat voting rights after a house of commons select committee to discuss electoral reform.

Part of the committee discussions held on the 13th of October covered whether or not to amend present legislation that prevents Expats from voting after they have lived abroad for over 15 years.

Though the government is “considering” changing Expat voting rights Mark Harper MP went on to comment that a decision would need to be made in the house of commons as it constitutes a legislative change.

The issue of Expats losing their right to vote has long been a bug bear among the Expat community and despite promises to change or review the law in the past no concrete changes have been made.

Many are particularly frustrated by the law as Britain is the only European country that denies its citizens lifelong voting rights regardless of their country of residence. The USA also permits lifelong voting rights.

In the past several Expats have attempted to take the matter to court as they argue that the law violates their fundamental rights, and that despite living abroad they maintain ties to the UK that deem it appropriate that they have their say in UK elections.

Some have suggested that while it is encouraging the matter is being reviewed, they were disappointed that it was given relatively little time during the select committee, only a few minutes, raising concerns that no action will be taken.

Expats are being encouraged to write into MPs now so as to put pressure on the government while the proposals are still in the air and help raise the profile on the issue.

Should the government decide to make changes, it is not yet clear whether or not this would take the form on an extension on current voting rights or a more radical change to lifelong voting rights for all Expats.

David Harra, a Senior Market & Investment Analyst with Pryce Warner International, a Financial Services Provider for Expats, commented: “Though it is encouraging to see that this vital issue is under review once more, considering that it the past the issue has been raised and ultimately dropped raises concerns that once again nothing will be done. All Expats should consider contacting their MPs and lobbying the UK government to take a more stringent look at this issue. Without a greater sense of urgency to change Expat voting rights it seems likely that once again the British government will choose to deny Expats lifelong voting rights despite so many other nations acknowledging this basic right.”

Pryce Warner International Group provide International Asset & Investment Management, Independent Financial Advice & QROPS Overseas Pensions.

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By: Aneil Fatania
Financial Editor
Pryce Warner International Group
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