UK PM vows to honour manifesto pledge
Ending the 15year limit on voting rights will come ‘ in due course’
UK PRIME minister Boris Johnson has promised British citizens living abroad their voice will be heard again in Parliamentary elections.
Currently, expats lose the right to vote after 15 years of living outside the UK but ending the controversial policy has long been a Conservative Party manifesto promise.
In a letter to members of Conservatives Abroad, the PM said the government was working on the small print to allow the law to be changed.
A commitment to return a socalled ‘ vote for life’ to Britons around the world was made under David Cameron’s leadership but has never been fulfilled.
It has triggered frustration and anger amongst the party faithful of all colours as expats were unable to vote in key ballots such as the Brexit referendum in 2016 and subsequent general elections.
As they are also unable to vote in their host countries’ general elections, expats are stripped of a democratic voice in government.
Mr Johnson’s letter was sent in the wake of the Tory conference – this year a virtual
event because of the coronavirus pandemic – and a ‘ thank you’ to party members for their ‘ unstinting support’.
He noted: “Our manifesto pledged to make it easier for British expats like you to vote in Parliamentary elections – including ending the Labour government’s arbitrary 15year limit on voting rights.
“I am pleased to confirm that ( government minister) Chloe Smith and her officials in the Cabinet Office are making good progress on working up the technical detail, and legislation will be introduced in due course.”
He also outlined his hopes for ‘ Global Britain’ after Brexit and the departure from the European Union.
“I am looking forward to strengthening our relationship with many friends and allies around the world – including by agreeing new trade deals to boost jobs and make the most of opportunities that exist outside of the EU.” However, the prime minister acknowledged ‘ tackling’ Covid19 was the biggest challenge the country had faced ‘ in living memory’ – a battle being fought across every corner of the world.