The Government has published plans to introduce ‘votes for life’ for British expatriates.
There is currently a 15-year time limit on British citizens who live abroad registering as overseas electors.
Whitehall’s plans will abolish this and give British expats who have lived in the UK a lifelong right to vote in parliamentary elections, although not in other elections.
‘This statement shows how we will introduce ‘votes for life’, scrapping the 15-year rule,’ said Chris Skidmore, minister for the constitution.
‘British citizens who move abroad remain a part of our democracy and it is important they have the ability to participate.’
David Cameron first pledged to lift the 15-year threshold in 2014 and the commitment is a part of the Conservative manifesto.
The decision is also part of a move designed to help expand British trade and influence throughout the world in the wake of the Brexit vote.
‘Following the British people’s decision to leave the EU, we now need to strengthen ties with countries around the world and show the UK is an outward-facing nation,’ explained Mr Skidmore.
‘Our expat community has an important role to play in helping Britain expand international trade, especially given two-thirds of expats live outside the EU.’
The minister added that today’s expats maintain close ties with the UK thanks to modern technology and cheap air travel.
