Voting legislation back in Commons

Overseas Electors Bill to give expats 'Lifelong' right to vote in parliamentary elections

THE long-awaited legislation giving British expats across the globe a 'lifelong' right to vote in parliamentary elections returns to the House of Commons in March.

The Overseas Electors Bill was introduced by Glyn Davies, the Member of Parliament for Montgomeryshire, and is scheduled to have its report stage and third reading on Friday March 22.

Introduced as a Private Member’s Bill, it is backed by the Conservative government to fulfil a manifesto promise back in 2015 and which continues to be party policy.

The draft legislation is “to make a provision extending the basis on which British citizens outside the UK qualify to participate in parliamentary elections and for connected purposes”.

The bill would see the current and controversial rules scrapped – this effectively disenfranchises expats 15 years after they emigrated.

It is estimated there are three million people living outside the UK who will once again have a voice and another 1.3 million who still have an existing right to vote under the 15-year rule.

Minister for the Constitution Chloe Smith believes it is important that all eligible citizens were able to vote and enjoy their democratic rights.

“Participation in our democracy is a fundamental part of being British, no matter how far you have travelled from the UK.

“Expats retain strong links with the UK; they may have family here, and indeed, they may plan to return in the future. Modern technology and cheaper air travel has transformed the ability of expats to keep in touch with their home country.”