spainrico

Britons living overseas for 15 years to get right to vote in UK elections (yes I know it has been promised before)

British nationals living overseas for more than 15 years are set to get the right to vote in UK general elections, after a proposed change in the law passed a critical stage in the House of Lords.

https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/...droidApp_Other

Fredbargate

I do not at present live in the UK and therefore do not believe I need the right to vote there.
I left of my own free choice.

I now vote in my country of residence.

missile

It is a Tory ploy to gain more votes.

I can't see any other justification for those who have left for more than 15 years to be given a vote.

Pollyana

For some of us moving back (from wherever), this is invaluable, as it gives us the chance to get back on the Electoral Roll before we move.

bobd22

Many people continue to pay income tax in the UK so why shouldn't be able to vote? Its the only way of getting a chance of representation on the taxes one pays. If people don't wish to take up the right to vote they can always simply not take up the offer.

Joppa

Also EU referendum had a marked effect on British citizen living in EU, even if they moved there decades ago and had little if any liability to UK tax, as it might affect their freedom of movement, even though at that time we weren't sure what kind of Brexit it may lead to. It's water under the bridge now, but we may wonder who will be eligible to vote in future Scottish independence referendum, as it may have a big effect on residency status should Scotland re-enter EU.

SanNico

I would continue to vote in the generals until my kids turn 18. After that I would say it's not my place. However, I'm not sure what I'd be voting for. One does whatever he feels like and the other says he would do the exact opposite even if it's the right thing. North of the border must be even worse. A vote for SNP just secures a Tory government with free prescriptions.

bobd22

Yes I agree.

mrken30

I also still have property , private pension and State pension in the UK. I also have kids with British citizenship and family in the UK. I also still have the right to live there and may move back at some point. For all these reasons , plus the fact I pay UK taxes, I feel I should have the option to vote until I have no links with the country. Non-doms living in the UK have the right to vote, so why shouldn't I?

Did this law pass?

https://euroweeklynews.com/2022/04/2...-election-law/

Joppa

Yes, and has received Royal Assent.
But:
'The Elections Act 2022 received Royal Assent on 28 April 2022. It includes provisions to removing the 15-year rule.Manifesto commitments have been included in each Conservative Party manifesto since 2015 to remove the 15-year limit on overseas voter registration. This is the so-called ‘votes for life’ policy. The Labour Party favoured maintaining the 15-year limit. The Government proposals would also allow all British citizens who had previously been resident in the UK to register, not just those who were registered before they left. Other changes are designed to make the renewal process easier for overseas voters.These changes will not take effect immediately.

Detailed secondary legislation is required to implement many aspects of the new provisions. It is expected this will be brought forward in 2023 with newly eligible overseas voters eligible to vote in 2024. The Commons Library briefing on the Bill, Elections Bill 2021-22 (CBP 9304), provides more detail of the provisions in the Bill.'
Overseas voters - House of Commons Library (parliament.uk)

missile

Why would that be "invaluable" to you?

mrken30

UK banks ask customers to prove who they are and where they live in the UK before they open a bank account. Proof of address ensures that a bank account is not opened under a false identity. Each bank accepts different documents, but in general, you will be asked to show two official documents, e.g.:

• Utility bills
• Local authority council tax bill for the current council tax year
• Current UK driving license
• Bank, Building Society or Credit Union statement
• Mortgage statement
• Council or housing association rent card or tenancy agreement for the current year
• Solicitors letter within the last three month confirming the property purchase (or the land registry confirmation of address)
• HMRC self-assessment letters
• Electoral Register entry
• NHS Medical card

BEVS

Stingychips

Lib Dems did well

missile

"Britons living overseas for 15 years to get right to vote in UK elections"

would not circumvent the money laundering regulations, as noted in your quote >>

"prove who they are and where they live in the UK"