Roughly three million disenfranchised British citizens living abroad have regained their right to vote thanks to legal changes which came into force today.
The end of the so-called 15-year rule means people with UK citizenship who have lived elsewhere for more than 15 years are now free to participate in the 2024 general election – whenever it is called by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.
The news finally draws a line under a legal fight spearheaded by Harry Shindler, who lived in Rome for 40 years, and who was sadly never again got a chance to cast his vote in the UK, as he died last year.
The decision brings Britain into line with other democracies which grant citizens living overseas voting rights for life, including the United States, France, Italy and Canada.
Jane Golding co-chairwoman of campaign group British in Europe (BiE) said: “Voting is a basic citizenship right regardless of where someone lives.
“This is a historic change to the UK franchise after years of campaigning by ourselves and others, particularly long-term campaigner Harry Shindler, who sadly died before he could use his hard-won vote.”
BiE worked closed alongside the Electoral Commission to bring about change, part of the UK Government’s Election Act, which was passed in 2022.
Government estimates suggest the abolition result mean three million more British citizens could be eligible to vote.
Craig Westwood, the Commission’s Director of Communications, said: “This change gives more British citizens living abroad the opportunity to participate in UK Parliament elections, and to contribute to the funding of political parties and campaigns.
“We know there are eligible voters in every corner of the world so we’re calling on those with friends and family abroad to help spread the news.
“With a general election likely this year, it is important this newly enfranchised group of voters are aware of the change and can take action. Registering to vote can be done online in just five minutes.”
Speaking in 2022, 100-year-old Mr Shindler said: “Three manifestos, and now close to being delivered. The bill is expected to become law before the (now imminent) end of the current session.
“I am delighted and pleased this is nearly over.
“We are a democracy, but not a complete democracy while we didn’t have the right to vote.”
“I’ve been campaigning for this for the last 18 years. And although it has to go back to the House of Commons, it’s now as good as a done deed.
“This is a historic moment and Britons all over the world will be celebrating.”
There are roughly 4.7 million British citizens living abroad, given that the UK has one of the largest global diasporas.
In 2016, more than 60 percent of UK citizens living in the EU had no vote in the UK EU referendum, BiE has pointed out.
