I have lived in Belgium under the new EEC/EU rules on freedom of movement of labour since 1977. Here, I am geographically closer to my home city, London, than are many places in the UK. The family house, where my daughter lives, is still in London and I am frequently there. How much more of a closer tie do I need!?
Allison Kingsbury - 8 years ago
Having worked in the UK for more than 15 years before moving to Luxembourg I feel I should still have a right to vote in a country I contributed to and paid tax in for many years.
Allison Kingsbury - 8 years ago
Having worked in the UK for more than 15 years before moving to Luxembourg I feel I should still have a right to vote in a country I contributed to and paid tax in for many years.
Martin Cawthorne-Nugent - 8 years ago
I have lived and worked (and paid taxes) in an EU country outside the UK for over 16 years. It is appalling that over a million UK passport holders that have shown a clear commitment to Europe and the European Union should be disenfranchised from the referendum on EU membership.
Is anyone proposing that only Britons who have visited an EU member state other than their own within the last 15 years are eligible to vote in the referendum? That would be no more ludicrous.
The Netherlands
Claire GODFREY - 8 years ago
Having come to France from Jersey and previously the U.S.A. and prior to that, France, I had not been registered to vote in the U.K. but, being a child of Europe, appearing at roughly the same time as the Common Market was created, and realising the full extent of what could happen if Britain voted no in the upcoming referendum, and what the direct consequences for me would be, I am outraged at not being able to vote. I have registered with the law firm Leigh and Day who are dealing with this. Happy to exchange on this.
Mark - 8 years ago
Kazakhstan
Christine Baxter - 8 years ago
All British expats, living in Europe and around the world, should be able to vote in the forthcoming EU Referendum, and in UK General Elections, no matter how long they have lived outside the UK. That fundamental right should never have been withdrawn.
Family and I have lived in France since March 2007. We're not returning to the UK, whatever the Referendum brings, but that should be our right, we should not need to live in limbo as we are doing - as are millions of British expats!
Leanne Cropper - 8 years ago
I have lived in Spain for 16 years. I pay tax and national insurance and I an also a house owner here. However, I am without the right to vote in Spanish general elections and now without a vote in the UK.
Sam Featherston - 8 years ago
I've lived in Germany for 16 years so I'm now unable to vote for any country's government. I have a house in the UK, I pay tax in the UK, I'm a member of a UK political party, I always used my vote while I could.
It's blatantly unfair.
petitb - 8 years ago
France
Sarah Giles - 8 years ago
As far as I know, the Tories made a pledge before the last election to sort out the problem for people who've been living abroad for 15 years if they got back in. Here's a link to the news article
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/expat/expatnews/11068438/Tories-pledge-to-give-vote-back-to-all-expats.html
I'm not sure if they actually put it in their manifesto, but don't you think we should remind them what they said?
Sarah Giles - 8 years ago
Switzerland
Cathy Mason - 8 years ago
Lived in Belgium for 17 years. I want to vote in referendum.
Andrew Dawson - 8 years ago
I have lived in Italy for over 40 years and like most of the other contributors, I am incensed at not being able to vote in the forthcoming referendum. I have written to Mr Cameron twice asking him how he intends addressing the issue but unsurprisingly have received no reply. This deplorable disinterest makes me suspect that Cameron really wants "out" otherwise how does one explain this missed opportunity of getting votes from expats who I believe would mostly vote to remain in the EU. Coming after the passport reissuing farce 2 years ago where expats were deliberately excluded from the "fast track" I realise that I am a "2ND CLASS "Uk citizen. I've had enough. I'm going to renounce British citizen ship and become Italian !!!
Andrew Dawson
Eric Jarman - 8 years ago
Before marrying a Gderman and leaving England for Germany I taught successfully in British schools for nearly thirty years, and if that doesn't qualify me to vote, then what does?
Dave Craik - 8 years ago
I have lived as a British citizen in Germany since 1989 and as such have lost my right to vote in the UK under the 15-year rule. This is a fundamental problem which the EU must address if it continues to allow the freedom of movement of labour across borders. Depending on the outcome of the forthcoming referendum over UK EU membership and the consequences for EU citizens living in the EU I may have to consider surrendering my British citizenship and apply to become a German citizen!
Adrian Post - 8 years ago
Outrageous that I can't vote in the UK referendum on EU membership when it may affect me so much, Can't vote where I live and pay tax and national insurance (Poland - though I can vote in EU elections here). Absolute sham! I am British, have a British passport and do expect the British government to 'allow' me to vote on matters that concern me directly. I think a 'class action' is needed on this one....
Sarah - 8 years ago
This is an issue that particular effects expats and I strongly feel that we ought to have a vote too!!
István Kemény - 8 years ago
As holders of British passports, how can the government legally bar us from any elections. It's just absurd. France
Sita Guneratne - 8 years ago
I feel outraged that after living in France for over 15 years my democratic voting rights have been arbitrarily removed leaving me disenfranchised from voting either in the U.K. or in France. This may backfire on the UK government since many Bitish nationals living in the EU are highly likely to vote against Brexit.
Chris Bryer - 8 years ago
France
Freedom of movement is a central pillar of the European Union, yet the UK has decided to penalise many British citizens who live in the European Union by disenfranchising them. This should be illegal under European law and shows how neither the UK nor other member states really care about this essential right.
Chris Bryer - 8 years ago
Freedom of movement is a central pillar of the European Union, yet the UK has decided to penalise many British citizens who live in the European Union by disenfranchising them. This should be illegal under European law and shows how neither the UK nor other member states really care about this essential right.
Barrie Jackson - 8 years ago
Of course I want the right to vote on Brexit living in Spain, but also I believe that Europeans living in the UK should have their right to vote in the country they have probably made their home and on the future of their children.
Martin Rowe - 8 years ago
It is absolutely ludicrous that we expats are treated in this manor. I feel tremendously proud of my routes and would never relinquish my UK passport for that of Sweden, where i have been living since 1991. I am sure that the majority of expats are extremely passionate about Britain and generate a great deal of tourism through sharing experiences of the place we still call home. In short we do our bit for the economy and should be treated with respect and not told after 15 years that we are no longer eligible to vote.
I implore the government to reconsider their stance and align themselves with the rest of Europe, please stop this outdated and insulting view of your fellow countrymen.
This "brexit" issue affects all of us expats, and we have no right to make our opinions heard! Ludicrous! My wife is Belgian, she HAS to vote in all Belgian electoral issues whether she likes it or not, wherever she happens to be in the world. Why does, by contrast, the UK dis-enfranchise its citizens who happen to live and work abroad?
Peter Crick - 8 years ago
My wife and I have lived in France since 1984 - this is our second spell in France. I have only just found your website as a result of reading the Telegraph's article concerning Harry Shindler's action initiating a High Court against the UK's refusal - inter alia - to allow expats a vote in the forthcoming referendum on the UK's continuing membership of the EU.
It goes without saying I have bookmarked your site and will be following any developments with great interest.
Geoff Townsend - 8 years ago
Germany..
Nigh on 30 yrs..
One can only hope we stay in !!
Ludicrous law 15 yrs... and no chance to see a change in time.
Jack Warwick - 8 years ago
Outdated rule in many respects, all of which should be noted. Asking "when did you leave?" is grossly out of touch with the realities of the modern world; most respondents are saying that in important respects they have not left, they just happen to be living elsewhere. This is certainly my case: my contacts with the UK are still lively, still an essential part of my life. I have lived about 20 years in France; there can be no exact figure, as different parts of my life have moved at different speeds. I live in both countries (and some others) as a European and I don't want to be deprived of that right. I did my national service and I expect that to be recognized. I paid taxes and National Insurance (for which I draw a small pension), I keep up with current affairs, I have family and friends in the UK. Here in France I promote friendly relations and (in my small way) awareness of English culture. My loyalties are just as much to be respected as those of other British citizens. I want a vote in the referendum.
Sara Pink-Zerling - 8 years ago
I'm a 50 year old Brit, who has been living and working in France for 27 years after marrying a Frenchman with whom I have two daughters. I have never felt strongly inclined to ask for French nationality and don't see why I should have to do it now, just to protect my rights to live, work and one day be paid my pension in France in the event of a Brexit. Not having the right to vote in the EU referendum feels like I have no say in my future. In all the referendum coverage I've seen so far in the UK media, I have seen no mention of what could happen to people like me, and there are many of them, in terms of these rights. When I mention to people of other nationalities that Britons lose their right to vote after being away from Britain for only 15 years, nobody can quite believe it from such an established 'democracy'! I think at least on this key issue, we should have our say and I feel powerless to do anything about it.
Peter Harrison - 8 years ago
In the 21st century, it is easily possible to remain well informed on UK issues wherever in the world you may live - the current law makes no sense. It is bad enough being excluded from UK General Elections but excluding expats from the EU Referendum - especially those of us who live in the EU and will be very directly affected by its outcome - is unreasonable and absurd. ( Out of the UK for over 20 years / now living in Lithuania )
Christina Mackenzie - 8 years ago
Like many others who've left comments here, I left the UK after graduating because I couldn't find a job there but found a graduate level job in France within a week of arriving. And I've been here almost continuously since then (late 1979), except in the mid 1980s when I spent time in the United States and Brussels. I've never been able to vote in the UK and found that fair enough as I don't pay taxes there either. But this referendum does effect me and my British children and I want to be allowed to vote in it.
Alan Hart - 8 years ago
France
susan overland - 8 years ago
I have lived in the US for 30odd years but moved back to England for 3years returning to the US in 202 so I think that I qualify to vote on June23rd on the EU Referendum I would like to add my support to everyone who feels that wherever we are in the world we should have the right as British Subjects to vote on the future of our great country!
Regards to you all,
Susan
Pauline - 8 years ago
I have only just found your website so apologies if this has already been posted:
A petition has been started on the UK government website calling for us to have the right to vote. It is rapidly gathering momentum so please do sign if you haven't already done so!
https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/112142
Phil Wooding - 8 years ago
I am a long term French resident, now retired, I think that ALL British passport holders like myself, should be able to vote in this referendum, after all IT IS OUR COUNTRY. It would make a minimal differnce to my life, but I am convinced that the best future for Britain is in Europe, and am aware that unlike Expats, there are A LOT of xenophobic voters in Britain, our vote is needed.
Nick - 8 years ago
USA
Deborah Newman - 8 years ago
I have lived and worked in Paris for 29 years, am married to a Frenchman and have two daughters. My ties to the UK are very strong and I must admit to being scandalised that I will not be able to vote in UK elections in general, and the Brexit referendum in particular, which will certainly have major implications on my personal situation as an expat living in Europe. The 15 year limitation should be banned with no further ado, in line with the Tory commitments made during the election campaign
John Constantinesco - 8 years ago
I live in France
Tony P - 8 years ago
I've lived in France for 25 years on and off (10 years working and 15 years semi/retired) and I find the prospect of being treated as a non-UK citizen absolutely disgusting. I've always vaunted the merits of my country of birth but this stupid situation makes me very angry. My partner is Estonian, and I would be honoured to take up Estonian citizenship in order to remain within the EU. Of course the institutions are not perfect but in a world where international barriers are becoming increasingly irrelevant it makes sense to change things from within rather than isolate oneself without. I hope this campaign will provide the wake-up call to UK politicians to make a sensible decision.
Mike - 8 years ago
having lived in Austria since 1999 I am incensed that I am not able to cast my vote for the UK to remain in the EU.
I could potentially lose my right to reside (In the flat I own), to work, to my pension rights accumulated over 25 working years in different EU countries, to unemployment benefit in Austria should I lose my job,.............and I have no opportunity to influence this decision.
Chris Spencer - 8 years ago
Have been in France for 12 years. Have voted all my life in the UK, but am shocked that I will not have a say on such an important issue.
Andy Paton - 8 years ago
13 years in France, more in Middle East.
Nigel - 8 years ago
France - 30 years
Philip Wainwright - 8 years ago
USA. My US taxes have personally repaid every penny taken from the unrepresented colonists (at 1776 prices, of course). Really wish I could vote OUT OF THE EU. Good luck to this campaign.
Sian Davies - 8 years ago
France 16 years
Janet - 8 years ago
I have lived in the Netherlands for 42 years, I have always followed British politics and I WANT TO VOTE.
Andrew - 8 years ago
France: 20 years
Marion B - 8 years ago
Lived in France for 32 years
deolinda caldeira - 8 years ago
I live in the Netherlands, have tried to vote before, unsuccessfully and do not want to be excluded from a referendum that directly affects me. I also have South African nationality and this reminds me of an attempt made by the ANC to block expat votes. They were forced to back down as legislation was rushed, biased and therefore invalid. Sounds like the Conservatives would like to do the same thing. Silly as I am definitely voting to leave.
Keith Goodyear - 8 years ago
Thailand. Have been living here since 2006 and can still vote in General Elections. My Thai stepchildren are both UK Citizens and can vote in UK elections but I cannot vote in Thailand or in the forthcoming European Referendum and that is blatant discrimination by the UK governments past and present. As a UK Citizen I want to vote and there is no valid reason why we should all be denied the right just because we live abroad while others are permitted to do so.
G from Brussels - 8 years ago
I have signed the petition and have passed it on. Can this petition be put as a banner on this website? We need to get the ball rolling quickly now. If everyone who signs the petition passes the link to 10 others, we can get support from many expats in different countries. This disenfranchisement of some expat UK citizens to vote in the referendum is WRONG! This is not democracy. It excludes a particular group. It is arbitrary and unfair.
https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/11154
Judith Lea - 8 years ago
France...., I still have the vote, but not for much longer.... Keep up the good work!
David Nash - 8 years ago
Denmark (for 19 years, so far...)
I also just signed the petition at https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/111546
Ian - 8 years ago
It's time to sign this parliamentary petition: https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/111546. Now or never!
G from Brussels - 8 years ago
I have just heard Lord Archer on SKY say, 'we are so lucky because we all have a vote in the referendum'. Well, I don't. I am a UK citizen and I am disenfranchised. So much for democracy. Brexit will have an impact on many of our lives if we live outside of the U.K. Yet living here in Belgium or any other EU country gives one a wider perspective beyond the sensational headlines often designed to sell news rather than educate through information. I want my vote. David Cameron emphasised yesterday how important this decision, in or out of the EU is. Well if so why deprive us of our vote? Why treat us as so unimportant? We should all have our vote! We should all be treated as UK citizens if we are UK citizens, and not as something less! I feel very let down.
Michael Connell - 8 years ago
Norway
Valerie Wells - 8 years ago
Dual nationality British/Canadian. Born and raised in UK. Live in Commonwealth country!! Canadian citizenship required pledging allegiance to the Queen!! Family still in UK where I often live - property owner in UK but over 15 yrs technically resident of Canada. Please lower the 'wall' - that's what staying in the EU is all about and I want to be able to vote!
Joanne - 8 years ago
I feel incensed that we cannot vote in something so momentous. I keep hearing that the referendum is to be a democratic decision by Britiish citizens....well I am one too but seems no democracy for me!! Is there more we can do to get our voting rights?
Susan - 8 years ago
Looks like I am not alone. I have lived and worked in Greece for 25 years. The last 10 of that I have been unable to vote. Fair enough I think for UK parliamentary elections. But I don't actually get to vote anywhere. Except in the EU elections. If the UK leaves, I won't even get that. I will have to become Greek it seems.
The Parliament can make a change to allow EU-resident UK nationals, but I doubt that they will. Seems Labour pretty easily changed the limit to 15 years. Seems rather more difficult for the Tories. It should have been a matter to be dealt with when they drew up the Referendum Act, but they didn't.
I hope Cameron won't regret not making good on his promise to recind the voting time limit before he called the referendum. He will feel pretty sick if he misses a Yes result due to the 1 million+ disenfranchised UK citizens living elsewhere in the EU.
Why do I feel like everything seems to be slipping back into the 18th/19th century?
Kerry - 8 years ago
Belgium. Although presently an expat, I shall be returning to the UK and would therefore like to be able to vote. Also, given the fact that I work in the EU, I would very much like to have a say in the upcoming referendum on whether Britain stays in or leaves.
gillian rosner - 8 years ago
I am a British citizen living and working in France. I feel very strongly thatBritish citizens living/working in Europe should be given a say in this issue that has potentially a huge effect on our future.
Colin - 8 years ago
Luxembourg since 1982. I want to be able to vote for Scottish independence in the subsequent referendum if England votes to leave the EU
Jamie Wilson - 8 years ago
Born in Zambia of a British mother (born in London) - have UK nationality and am now a permanent resident in Mozambique ; just moved my children to the UK (they have UK nationality from their British born mother) from South Africa (no future there!) - however would like a say in matters where my children live!
Jack Gillman - 8 years ago
Belgium
Susan May Molbeck - 8 years ago
I have lived in Spain for over 40 years and had my right to vote taken away from me after 20 years. I can vote in European elections and local elections in Spain but not national elections. I am a law abiding, tax paying citizen of the EU and yet I have no vote anywhere. This is not right. My Spanish family thinks I should change my nationality and I can't see why I should. Also with the referendum coming up in the UK it is essential that all British citizens living within the EU are allowed to vote on this very, very important issue. If the UK does vote to leave I will have to change my citizenship.
Richard Appleyard - 8 years ago
I came to Spain over 15 years ago with BP. I am now completely disenfranchised not being able to vote in Spain - except municipal elections - or the UK. I believe that we are the only nationality which cannot vote in its countries of origin or residence. The EU referendum affects us more than most as it could radically change our status and rights. In addition my daughter now works in Italy but considers her home to be Spain. What will her situation in the event of an out vote when she wants to come home? We seem to be a group of no interest to anyone and it is vital that those that can vote do and that rest of us lobby for the votes for life bill.
I’ve lived in the The Netherlands since 1977 and retired hear a year ago and in-part on a U.K pension. I never gave up my British Citizenship. I intend to return to The U.K in the near future and it’s only due to financial reasons that I’m still here, dare I say - stuck! My Dutch residency is for life - in or out, I can’t see how I’m affected if the U.K leaves Europe. Given a vote, my vote is an unambiguous - Out. The E.U as we all know is undemocratic - whoever is making the rules; so - my inability to vote is of no surprise. I will contact The British Embassy in The Hague tomorrow for an up-date.
Keith Holding - 8 years ago
I moved to Spain over 15 years ago, receive a UK pension & pay uk income tax on this pension! Yet my wife and I are not able to vote in the forthcoming referendum on membership of the EU. It's result could affect us more than anyone living in the UK! This is not fair!
Simon - 8 years ago
Spain since 2010, France before that from 2002 and US before that from 1995. Like many here I'm in the position that I can not vote in the country where I pay taxes and I can't vote in the UK either, but what really annoys me is that I can't vote in this referendum which will probably have a larger impact on expats than on UK residents.
sarah bostock - 8 years ago
Switzerland
Bryan - 8 years ago
I have lived in The Netherlands for 46 years, working as an international civil servent and then as a retiree. The Uk is a member of the organisation I worked for and as such I considered I was serving my country abroad. I find it disgraceful that we cannot express an opinion on a subject of which we have considerable experience. Considering that the Consevative manifesto contained a promise to remove the 15 year limitation I can only follow others in thinking that the lack of progress is intentional due to concern that we might vote for Britain to stay in. In that they would be correct because I would vote to remain in.
Eric Stone - 8 years ago
I was born in Belgium as a British Citizen because my father is a British Citizen born in Belgium and my grandfather was a British Citizen born in the UK. At the time of my birth, the Belgian Law didn't allow Belgian Nationality to foreigners born in Belgium. Approximately 20 years ago, the Belgian Law changed and I could have have asked for Belgian nationality as I've lived all my life in Belgium. But I've never asked for Belgian citizenship because as a British Citizen resident in Belgium, I have the same rights as a Belgian! That could change if the UK leaves the EU and I could lose my rights as a British Citizen resident in Belgium! I will be directly affected by the EU referendum and couldn't vote in the referendum if the 15 years franchise is maintained! How could we claim effectively the the right to vote in the EU referendum for all British residents in the EU?
Caroline Raymond - 8 years ago
I have lived in France for 35 years, am married to a Frenchman and worked for a French company until 2013, when I retired. I now receive a French pension, completed by a tiny UK state pension for the 8 years I worked in London. I have built my life as a European, and decided not to request French nationality after my marriage, as I considered myself essentially British, despite having made my life in France, where I regularly vote in the European and local élections, If the result is not even to be able to have my say on a subject which concerns me directly, I wonder whether my loyalty was misplaced.
At the risk of being provocative, a good proportion of the people voting in the Referendum will have formed their view on the basis of unverified hearsay and have never even met a European, why should their opinion count, whereas many of us who "live" the European experience at first hand are not even consulted?
Hilary Walker - 8 years ago
I have lived in Spain since 1994 (and Gibraltar for 4 years prior to that), and I work in Gib. I own a property in Spain along with my British husband. Obviously the referendum is very important to me and I feel that democracy has been denied to me as I am disenfranchised.
Anne Edgley - 8 years ago
I have lived and worked in Spain for the last 13 years. I am now retired. I object most strongly to not being able to vote in England's national elections. I have never missed voting in a national election since I was 18 years old. Indeed my husband was a district councillor in Cambridgeshire for several years.in two years time we cannot vote in a national election anywhere. Surely this is against our human rights. Maybe the EU are the people to put this travesty right as they don't seem to be much use at anything else!!!!!?
Sheila Teasdale - 8 years ago
I've lived in Greece for the past 7 years - here I can only vote in local elections, not national ones. However, as a pensioner, all my income comes from the UK, and is taxed there. However, when I tried to register to vote in the last election, it took so long that by the time the registration came through, the election was over! I am still trying to ascertain if I am eligible to vote in any future elections.
Bob Scott - 8 years ago
I have lived in Greece for 18 years since retirement. Because of pension stipulations, I am taxed in the UK and not in Greece. I resent not having any say in how the £4000+ a year tax I pay to HMRC is spent.
PETER REYNOLDS - 8 years ago
I have lived and worked in Düsseldorf Germany for over 40 years now, pursuing amongst other things, an insurance broking career which produced a vaste amount of premium income for the UK insurance market.
I still have close contacts with my family in Sussex and retain cultural and business contacts with old friends.I would very much welcome the UK government abolishing the 15 year provision banning voting rights.
It would be pure idiocy for the UK to opt out of the EU, there is really so much at stake, there must by a cure for this myopia.
Peter Williams - 8 years ago
My wife and I have lived in France since 2000. The French kindly describe us as "English speaking Europeans", however all our family and financial ties are with England - we are UK pensioners and pay tax in England as well as in France.
Like many other people we are totally disenfranchised which cannot be morally acceptable.
When we lived in England we always supported the Conservatives and feel it is appalling that they are not honouring their Manifesto pledge to introduce Votes for Life. After all, they were happy enough to waste parliamentary time to introduce gay marriages that were not in their Manifesto and only a very small vocal minority of the population are in favour of.
It was outrageous enough when the Winter Fuel Allowance was removed from France using decidedly underhand data but kept for a warmer Italy.
The EU Referendum is probably the most important legislation in UK for many years and has the potential to totally ruin many expats lives, how can we not have a say in its' outcome?
Mrs. H. - 8 years ago
Germany
I have been living in Germany since 1988 and registered as an Overseas Elector every year until I was suddenly disenfranchised in 2003 after the Representation of the People Act 2000 changed the permitted period of registration of Overseas Electors from 20 to 15 years. I still have very strong ties to the UK and visit family regularly for prolonged periods; I just 'happen' to be officially resident in Germany because it is where my husband works and lives, but England is my home.
I have been in France for 35 years, woking as a journalist on French TV and radio. I talk about the threat of Brexit all the time and how outrageous it is that so many of us, who have the most to lose, not only don't have a vote in the matter, but simply don't have a voice in the current debate ! I bombard the British media with messages saying "could you please point out that migration works both ways in the EU and that there are probably as many Brits living abroad as EU members in the UK", but this is never mentioned and the whole debate in the UK focusses around "all these EU migrants taking our jobs" - but the UK is the country which has most of its citizens living in other EU countries. Not only are we voteless but voiceless too and, if things go the way it's looking with the europhobic press, we will soon have no rights and our lives shattered. So I'm in. Big time. alexandertaylorparis@gmail.com if any one wants to contact.
Geoffrey Phillipps - 8 years ago
I have lived and worked in the Netherlands since 1999 so have been official non resident in the UK for more than the 15 year limit allowing registration to vote in the UK.
I am particularly energetic about wanting my right to vote as a UK citizen in the forthcoming EU membership referendum . This is obviously of great relevance because it will affect the status of UK expats living in the EU in as yet not fully determined ways, which could range to the point where we become to all intents and purposes 'illegal immigrants'.
Though I do realise this is probably unlikely I think it illustrates the point that our expat rights will change within in the EU especially probably as regards to pensions and taxation
John Miller - 8 years ago
I have lived outside the UK for 17+ years and now work in Switzerland which, although formally outside the EU, is associated with it and a member of Schengen, operates free movement of citizens along with the EU, and has in fact implemented more EU law than the UK does. Brexit will impact on UK expats in Switzerland as much as those working in the EU.
The Swiss did in fact have their own 2014 referendum on restricting immigration which passed by the tiniest of majorities (50.3%) on a 57% turnout and is due to become law in 2017, although because of the probably disastrous economic consequences of Switzerland losing all its treaties with the EU as well as breaching over 30 UN treaties, there may be a referendum re-run later this year.
But whatever the Swiss do, it is completely unacceptable that any UK expats whose entire lives will be turned upside down by this silly referendum being driven in complete opposition to the facts (benefits like child benefit etc are vastly higher in many EU countries than in the UK and are not attracting anyone to Britsih shores - it is job prospects and the English language which are doing so) will not be allowed to vote in the EU referendum. One begins to wonder what the point of having a UK passport is with a government which clearly cares so little about us.
John Erskine - 8 years ago
I live in the UK, and as someone born in the six counties, I have dual British and Irish nationality.
My brother has lived in Spain since the late 1980's, and won't have a vote in the forthcoming referendum. I am very worried that the UK may leave the EU, both for my brother's sake, and also from my own point of view as I plan to retire to France or Spain.
Eduardo Clenshaw - 8 years ago
Living in Málaga, Spain since 1975.
Michael Hughes - 8 years ago
Bern living in Berlin for 32 years - can't vote here or there - what is with democratic rights and freedom to move in the eu.
Keith Ambridge - 8 years ago
I have been a full time resident / tax payer in Greece for 20 years. While I don't have particularly strong views on voting in UK National elections I do feel strongly that UK ex pats living in Europe should be allowed to vote in the upcoming EU referendum. Thanks!
Helen K - 8 years ago
German
Helen K - 8 years ago
German
A.J.Bull - 8 years ago
I am an English octogenarian pensioner who has lived in France for twenty years and am woerried about my future should UK leave the EU
Jeremy Rogers - 8 years ago
I'm a British citizen with a (very expensive) British passport, and have been living in Madrid for nearly 27 years- so the in/ out referendum will clearly affect me, as it will other UK nationals living in Europe. All UK citizens should be able to vote on this.
John Barlow - 8 years ago
Am writing from Madrid, where I have lived for 36 years. It irritates me that we run a great risk of further disenfranchisement by UK where many of us still have to pay taxes. The Spaniards also discriminate against resident UK nationals, who are prohibited from voting in regional and national elections.
karensmith - 8 years ago
France
Suzy - 8 years ago
France - our home for 23 years. Like others, we moved here to work and to escape from politics with which we disagreed. Now retired, our status here, our healthcare, and the life we've worked so hard to build, will all be under threat if Britain leaves the EU. We can't vote in French national elections but ex-pat French voters CAN -- all we ask is equality, what we seem to get is increasing inequality. Morally and politically WRONG.
Kim - 8 years ago
Denmatk
sam - 8 years ago
Belgium. Lived here nearly 30 years but make over 20 trips back to the UK each year to see family and friends. It is only 2 hours by train to London from Brussels !
John Mackenzie Tod - 8 years ago
As a retired British Council officer living in Belgium, I value the reciprocal health snd social security benefits which apply between all 28 EU mrmber states. Although I retain accommodation in London, I can no longer vote in UK general elections, nor in tbe forthcoming EU referendum, which directly affects my future. I prefer the French system which alliws all French citizens living in other countries to vote in French Presudential elections.
John Mackenzie Tod - 8 years ago
As a retired British Council officer living in Belgium, I value the reciprocal health snd social security benefits which apply between all 28 EU mrmber states. Although I retain accommodation in London, I can no longer vote in UK general elections, nor in tbe forthcoming EU referendum, which directly affects my future. I prefer the French system which alliws all French citizens living in other countries to vote in French Presudential elections.
Peter Moore - 8 years ago
As a Uk Pensioner I was unable to maintain a reasonable quality of life in the UK. Here in Spain I am able to do so. I have always paid Uk Tax and served in the Services.
I regularly return to Uk to visit my family and grandchildren . I may return to Uk one day as no one can really say never.
I feel it was unfair to withdraw my voting rights, especially on a major issue such as the referendum on staying in the EU. When it will effect me as much or more than those living in Uk. I want the right to vote on this issue.
Sandra Clegg - 8 years ago
I have lived in Spain since 1970 . I have been unable to vote for many years as the person who held my proxy vote died, whilst I accompanied my husband on overseas service. The voting office in Fareham Hampshire stated that they could find no record relating to my vote and there the matter ended.
What I think is so unfair ....is that I have to pay UK taxes (at source) and have no voice ......surely this is 1760 all over again.
" No taxation without representation ".
I have lived in Belgium under the new EEC/EU rules on freedom of movement of labour since 1977. Here, I am geographically closer to my home city, London, than are many places in the UK. The family house, where my daughter lives, is still in London and I am frequently there. How much more of a closer tie do I need!?
Having worked in the UK for more than 15 years before moving to Luxembourg I feel I should still have a right to vote in a country I contributed to and paid tax in for many years.
Having worked in the UK for more than 15 years before moving to Luxembourg I feel I should still have a right to vote in a country I contributed to and paid tax in for many years.
I have lived and worked (and paid taxes) in an EU country outside the UK for over 16 years. It is appalling that over a million UK passport holders that have shown a clear commitment to Europe and the European Union should be disenfranchised from the referendum on EU membership.
Is anyone proposing that only Britons who have visited an EU member state other than their own within the last 15 years are eligible to vote in the referendum? That would be no more ludicrous.
The Netherlands
Having come to France from Jersey and previously the U.S.A. and prior to that, France, I had not been registered to vote in the U.K. but, being a child of Europe, appearing at roughly the same time as the Common Market was created, and realising the full extent of what could happen if Britain voted no in the upcoming referendum, and what the direct consequences for me would be, I am outraged at not being able to vote. I have registered with the law firm Leigh and Day who are dealing with this. Happy to exchange on this.
Kazakhstan
All British expats, living in Europe and around the world, should be able to vote in the forthcoming EU Referendum, and in UK General Elections, no matter how long they have lived outside the UK. That fundamental right should never have been withdrawn.
Family and I have lived in France since March 2007. We're not returning to the UK, whatever the Referendum brings, but that should be our right, we should not need to live in limbo as we are doing - as are millions of British expats!
I have lived in Spain for 16 years. I pay tax and national insurance and I an also a house owner here. However, I am without the right to vote in Spanish general elections and now without a vote in the UK.
I've lived in Germany for 16 years so I'm now unable to vote for any country's government. I have a house in the UK, I pay tax in the UK, I'm a member of a UK political party, I always used my vote while I could.
It's blatantly unfair.
France
As far as I know, the Tories made a pledge before the last election to sort out the problem for people who've been living abroad for 15 years if they got back in. Here's a link to the news article
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/expat/expatnews/11068438/Tories-pledge-to-give-vote-back-to-all-expats.html
I'm not sure if they actually put it in their manifesto, but don't you think we should remind them what they said?
Switzerland
Lived in Belgium for 17 years. I want to vote in referendum.
I have lived in Italy for over 40 years and like most of the other contributors, I am incensed at not being able to vote in the forthcoming referendum. I have written to Mr Cameron twice asking him how he intends addressing the issue but unsurprisingly have received no reply. This deplorable disinterest makes me suspect that Cameron really wants "out" otherwise how does one explain this missed opportunity of getting votes from expats who I believe would mostly vote to remain in the EU. Coming after the passport reissuing farce 2 years ago where expats were deliberately excluded from the "fast track" I realise that I am a "2ND CLASS "Uk citizen. I've had enough. I'm going to renounce British citizen ship and become Italian !!!
Andrew Dawson
Before marrying a Gderman and leaving England for Germany I taught successfully in British schools for nearly thirty years, and if that doesn't qualify me to vote, then what does?
I have lived as a British citizen in Germany since 1989 and as such have lost my right to vote in the UK under the 15-year rule. This is a fundamental problem which the EU must address if it continues to allow the freedom of movement of labour across borders. Depending on the outcome of the forthcoming referendum over UK EU membership and the consequences for EU citizens living in the EU I may have to consider surrendering my British citizenship and apply to become a German citizen!
Outrageous that I can't vote in the UK referendum on EU membership when it may affect me so much, Can't vote where I live and pay tax and national insurance (Poland - though I can vote in EU elections here). Absolute sham! I am British, have a British passport and do expect the British government to 'allow' me to vote on matters that concern me directly. I think a 'class action' is needed on this one....
This is an issue that particular effects expats and I strongly feel that we ought to have a vote too!!
As holders of British passports, how can the government legally bar us from any elections. It's just absurd. France
I feel outraged that after living in France for over 15 years my democratic voting rights have been arbitrarily removed leaving me disenfranchised from voting either in the U.K. or in France. This may backfire on the UK government since many Bitish nationals living in the EU are highly likely to vote against Brexit.
France
Freedom of movement is a central pillar of the European Union, yet the UK has decided to penalise many British citizens who live in the European Union by disenfranchising them. This should be illegal under European law and shows how neither the UK nor other member states really care about this essential right.
Freedom of movement is a central pillar of the European Union, yet the UK has decided to penalise many British citizens who live in the European Union by disenfranchising them. This should be illegal under European law and shows how neither the UK nor other member states really care about this essential right.
Of course I want the right to vote on Brexit living in Spain, but also I believe that Europeans living in the UK should have their right to vote in the country they have probably made their home and on the future of their children.
It is absolutely ludicrous that we expats are treated in this manor. I feel tremendously proud of my routes and would never relinquish my UK passport for that of Sweden, where i have been living since 1991. I am sure that the majority of expats are extremely passionate about Britain and generate a great deal of tourism through sharing experiences of the place we still call home. In short we do our bit for the economy and should be treated with respect and not told after 15 years that we are no longer eligible to vote.
I implore the government to reconsider their stance and align themselves with the rest of Europe, please stop this outdated and insulting view of your fellow countrymen.
This "brexit" issue affects all of us expats, and we have no right to make our opinions heard! Ludicrous! My wife is Belgian, she HAS to vote in all Belgian electoral issues whether she likes it or not, wherever she happens to be in the world. Why does, by contrast, the UK dis-enfranchise its citizens who happen to live and work abroad?
My wife and I have lived in France since 1984 - this is our second spell in France. I have only just found your website as a result of reading the Telegraph's article concerning Harry Shindler's action initiating a High Court against the UK's refusal - inter alia - to allow expats a vote in the forthcoming referendum on the UK's continuing membership of the EU.
It goes without saying I have bookmarked your site and will be following any developments with great interest.
Germany..
Nigh on 30 yrs..
One can only hope we stay in !!
Ludicrous law 15 yrs... and no chance to see a change in time.
Outdated rule in many respects, all of which should be noted. Asking "when did you leave?" is grossly out of touch with the realities of the modern world; most respondents are saying that in important respects they have not left, they just happen to be living elsewhere. This is certainly my case: my contacts with the UK are still lively, still an essential part of my life. I have lived about 20 years in France; there can be no exact figure, as different parts of my life have moved at different speeds. I live in both countries (and some others) as a European and I don't want to be deprived of that right. I did my national service and I expect that to be recognized. I paid taxes and National Insurance (for which I draw a small pension), I keep up with current affairs, I have family and friends in the UK. Here in France I promote friendly relations and (in my small way) awareness of English culture. My loyalties are just as much to be respected as those of other British citizens. I want a vote in the referendum.
I'm a 50 year old Brit, who has been living and working in France for 27 years after marrying a Frenchman with whom I have two daughters. I have never felt strongly inclined to ask for French nationality and don't see why I should have to do it now, just to protect my rights to live, work and one day be paid my pension in France in the event of a Brexit. Not having the right to vote in the EU referendum feels like I have no say in my future. In all the referendum coverage I've seen so far in the UK media, I have seen no mention of what could happen to people like me, and there are many of them, in terms of these rights. When I mention to people of other nationalities that Britons lose their right to vote after being away from Britain for only 15 years, nobody can quite believe it from such an established 'democracy'! I think at least on this key issue, we should have our say and I feel powerless to do anything about it.
In the 21st century, it is easily possible to remain well informed on UK issues wherever in the world you may live - the current law makes no sense. It is bad enough being excluded from UK General Elections but excluding expats from the EU Referendum - especially those of us who live in the EU and will be very directly affected by its outcome - is unreasonable and absurd. ( Out of the UK for over 20 years / now living in Lithuania )
Like many others who've left comments here, I left the UK after graduating because I couldn't find a job there but found a graduate level job in France within a week of arriving. And I've been here almost continuously since then (late 1979), except in the mid 1980s when I spent time in the United States and Brussels. I've never been able to vote in the UK and found that fair enough as I don't pay taxes there either. But this referendum does effect me and my British children and I want to be allowed to vote in it.
France
I have lived in the US for 30odd years but moved back to England for 3years returning to the US in 202 so I think that I qualify to vote on June23rd on the EU Referendum I would like to add my support to everyone who feels that wherever we are in the world we should have the right as British Subjects to vote on the future of our great country!
Regards to you all,
Susan
I have only just found your website so apologies if this has already been posted:
A petition has been started on the UK government website calling for us to have the right to vote. It is rapidly gathering momentum so please do sign if you haven't already done so!
https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/112142
I am a long term French resident, now retired, I think that ALL British passport holders like myself, should be able to vote in this referendum, after all IT IS OUR COUNTRY. It would make a minimal differnce to my life, but I am convinced that the best future for Britain is in Europe, and am aware that unlike Expats, there are A LOT of xenophobic voters in Britain, our vote is needed.
USA
I have lived and worked in Paris for 29 years, am married to a Frenchman and have two daughters. My ties to the UK are very strong and I must admit to being scandalised that I will not be able to vote in UK elections in general, and the Brexit referendum in particular, which will certainly have major implications on my personal situation as an expat living in Europe. The 15 year limitation should be banned with no further ado, in line with the Tory commitments made during the election campaign
I live in France
I've lived in France for 25 years on and off (10 years working and 15 years semi/retired) and I find the prospect of being treated as a non-UK citizen absolutely disgusting. I've always vaunted the merits of my country of birth but this stupid situation makes me very angry. My partner is Estonian, and I would be honoured to take up Estonian citizenship in order to remain within the EU. Of course the institutions are not perfect but in a world where international barriers are becoming increasingly irrelevant it makes sense to change things from within rather than isolate oneself without. I hope this campaign will provide the wake-up call to UK politicians to make a sensible decision.
having lived in Austria since 1999 I am incensed that I am not able to cast my vote for the UK to remain in the EU.
I could potentially lose my right to reside (In the flat I own), to work, to my pension rights accumulated over 25 working years in different EU countries, to unemployment benefit in Austria should I lose my job,.............and I have no opportunity to influence this decision.
Have been in France for 12 years. Have voted all my life in the UK, but am shocked that I will not have a say on such an important issue.
13 years in France, more in Middle East.
France - 30 years
USA. My US taxes have personally repaid every penny taken from the unrepresented colonists (at 1776 prices, of course). Really wish I could vote OUT OF THE EU. Good luck to this campaign.
France 16 years
I have lived in the Netherlands for 42 years, I have always followed British politics and I WANT TO VOTE.
France: 20 years
Lived in France for 32 years
I live in the Netherlands, have tried to vote before, unsuccessfully and do not want to be excluded from a referendum that directly affects me. I also have South African nationality and this reminds me of an attempt made by the ANC to block expat votes. They were forced to back down as legislation was rushed, biased and therefore invalid. Sounds like the Conservatives would like to do the same thing. Silly as I am definitely voting to leave.
Thailand. Have been living here since 2006 and can still vote in General Elections. My Thai stepchildren are both UK Citizens and can vote in UK elections but I cannot vote in Thailand or in the forthcoming European Referendum and that is blatant discrimination by the UK governments past and present. As a UK Citizen I want to vote and there is no valid reason why we should all be denied the right just because we live abroad while others are permitted to do so.
I have signed the petition and have passed it on. Can this petition be put as a banner on this website? We need to get the ball rolling quickly now. If everyone who signs the petition passes the link to 10 others, we can get support from many expats in different countries. This disenfranchisement of some expat UK citizens to vote in the referendum is WRONG! This is not democracy. It excludes a particular group. It is arbitrary and unfair.
https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/11154
France...., I still have the vote, but not for much longer.... Keep up the good work!
Denmark (for 19 years, so far...)
I also just signed the petition at https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/111546
It's time to sign this parliamentary petition: https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/111546. Now or never!
I have just heard Lord Archer on SKY say, 'we are so lucky because we all have a vote in the referendum'. Well, I don't. I am a UK citizen and I am disenfranchised. So much for democracy. Brexit will have an impact on many of our lives if we live outside of the U.K. Yet living here in Belgium or any other EU country gives one a wider perspective beyond the sensational headlines often designed to sell news rather than educate through information. I want my vote. David Cameron emphasised yesterday how important this decision, in or out of the EU is. Well if so why deprive us of our vote? Why treat us as so unimportant? We should all have our vote! We should all be treated as UK citizens if we are UK citizens, and not as something less! I feel very let down.
Norway
Dual nationality British/Canadian. Born and raised in UK. Live in Commonwealth country!! Canadian citizenship required pledging allegiance to the Queen!! Family still in UK where I often live - property owner in UK but over 15 yrs technically resident of Canada. Please lower the 'wall' - that's what staying in the EU is all about and I want to be able to vote!
I feel incensed that we cannot vote in something so momentous. I keep hearing that the referendum is to be a democratic decision by Britiish citizens....well I am one too but seems no democracy for me!! Is there more we can do to get our voting rights?
Looks like I am not alone. I have lived and worked in Greece for 25 years. The last 10 of that I have been unable to vote. Fair enough I think for UK parliamentary elections. But I don't actually get to vote anywhere. Except in the EU elections. If the UK leaves, I won't even get that. I will have to become Greek it seems.
The Parliament can make a change to allow EU-resident UK nationals, but I doubt that they will. Seems Labour pretty easily changed the limit to 15 years. Seems rather more difficult for the Tories. It should have been a matter to be dealt with when they drew up the Referendum Act, but they didn't.
I hope Cameron won't regret not making good on his promise to recind the voting time limit before he called the referendum. He will feel pretty sick if he misses a Yes result due to the 1 million+ disenfranchised UK citizens living elsewhere in the EU.
Why do I feel like everything seems to be slipping back into the 18th/19th century?
Belgium. Although presently an expat, I shall be returning to the UK and would therefore like to be able to vote. Also, given the fact that I work in the EU, I would very much like to have a say in the upcoming referendum on whether Britain stays in or leaves.
I am a British citizen living and working in France. I feel very strongly thatBritish citizens living/working in Europe should be given a say in this issue that has potentially a huge effect on our future.
Luxembourg since 1982. I want to be able to vote for Scottish independence in the subsequent referendum if England votes to leave the EU
Born in Zambia of a British mother (born in London) - have UK nationality and am now a permanent resident in Mozambique ; just moved my children to the UK (they have UK nationality from their British born mother) from South Africa (no future there!) - however would like a say in matters where my children live!
Belgium
I have lived in Spain for over 40 years and had my right to vote taken away from me after 20 years. I can vote in European elections and local elections in Spain but not national elections. I am a law abiding, tax paying citizen of the EU and yet I have no vote anywhere. This is not right. My Spanish family thinks I should change my nationality and I can't see why I should. Also with the referendum coming up in the UK it is essential that all British citizens living within the EU are allowed to vote on this very, very important issue. If the UK does vote to leave I will have to change my citizenship.
I came to Spain over 15 years ago with BP. I am now completely disenfranchised not being able to vote in Spain - except municipal elections - or the UK. I believe that we are the only nationality which cannot vote in its countries of origin or residence. The EU referendum affects us more than most as it could radically change our status and rights. In addition my daughter now works in Italy but considers her home to be Spain. What will her situation in the event of an out vote when she wants to come home? We seem to be a group of no interest to anyone and it is vital that those that can vote do and that rest of us lobby for the votes for life bill.
I’ve lived in the The Netherlands since 1977 and retired hear a year ago and in-part on a U.K pension. I never gave up my British Citizenship. I intend to return to The U.K in the near future and it’s only due to financial reasons that I’m still here, dare I say - stuck! My Dutch residency is for life - in or out, I can’t see how I’m affected if the U.K leaves Europe. Given a vote, my vote is an unambiguous - Out. The E.U as we all know is undemocratic - whoever is making the rules; so - my inability to vote is of no surprise. I will contact The British Embassy in The Hague tomorrow for an up-date.
I moved to Spain over 15 years ago, receive a UK pension & pay uk income tax on this pension! Yet my wife and I are not able to vote in the forthcoming referendum on membership of the EU. It's result could affect us more than anyone living in the UK! This is not fair!
Spain since 2010, France before that from 2002 and US before that from 1995. Like many here I'm in the position that I can not vote in the country where I pay taxes and I can't vote in the UK either, but what really annoys me is that I can't vote in this referendum which will probably have a larger impact on expats than on UK residents.
Switzerland
I have lived in The Netherlands for 46 years, working as an international civil servent and then as a retiree. The Uk is a member of the organisation I worked for and as such I considered I was serving my country abroad. I find it disgraceful that we cannot express an opinion on a subject of which we have considerable experience. Considering that the Consevative manifesto contained a promise to remove the 15 year limitation I can only follow others in thinking that the lack of progress is intentional due to concern that we might vote for Britain to stay in. In that they would be correct because I would vote to remain in.
I was born in Belgium as a British Citizen because my father is a British Citizen born in Belgium and my grandfather was a British Citizen born in the UK. At the time of my birth, the Belgian Law didn't allow Belgian Nationality to foreigners born in Belgium. Approximately 20 years ago, the Belgian Law changed and I could have have asked for Belgian nationality as I've lived all my life in Belgium. But I've never asked for Belgian citizenship because as a British Citizen resident in Belgium, I have the same rights as a Belgian! That could change if the UK leaves the EU and I could lose my rights as a British Citizen resident in Belgium! I will be directly affected by the EU referendum and couldn't vote in the referendum if the 15 years franchise is maintained! How could we claim effectively the the right to vote in the EU referendum for all British residents in the EU?
I have lived in France for 35 years, am married to a Frenchman and worked for a French company until 2013, when I retired. I now receive a French pension, completed by a tiny UK state pension for the 8 years I worked in London. I have built my life as a European, and decided not to request French nationality after my marriage, as I considered myself essentially British, despite having made my life in France, where I regularly vote in the European and local élections, If the result is not even to be able to have my say on a subject which concerns me directly, I wonder whether my loyalty was misplaced.
At the risk of being provocative, a good proportion of the people voting in the Referendum will have formed their view on the basis of unverified hearsay and have never even met a European, why should their opinion count, whereas many of us who "live" the European experience at first hand are not even consulted?
I have lived in Spain since 1994 (and Gibraltar for 4 years prior to that), and I work in Gib. I own a property in Spain along with my British husband. Obviously the referendum is very important to me and I feel that democracy has been denied to me as I am disenfranchised.
I have lived and worked in Spain for the last 13 years. I am now retired. I object most strongly to not being able to vote in England's national elections. I have never missed voting in a national election since I was 18 years old. Indeed my husband was a district councillor in Cambridgeshire for several years.in two years time we cannot vote in a national election anywhere. Surely this is against our human rights. Maybe the EU are the people to put this travesty right as they don't seem to be much use at anything else!!!!!?
I've lived in Greece for the past 7 years - here I can only vote in local elections, not national ones. However, as a pensioner, all my income comes from the UK, and is taxed there. However, when I tried to register to vote in the last election, it took so long that by the time the registration came through, the election was over! I am still trying to ascertain if I am eligible to vote in any future elections.
I have lived in Greece for 18 years since retirement. Because of pension stipulations, I am taxed in the UK and not in Greece. I resent not having any say in how the £4000+ a year tax I pay to HMRC is spent.
I have lived and worked in Düsseldorf Germany for over 40 years now, pursuing amongst other things, an insurance broking career which produced a vaste amount of premium income for the UK insurance market.
I still have close contacts with my family in Sussex and retain cultural and business contacts with old friends.I would very much welcome the UK government abolishing the 15 year provision banning voting rights.
It would be pure idiocy for the UK to opt out of the EU, there is really so much at stake, there must by a cure for this myopia.
My wife and I have lived in France since 2000. The French kindly describe us as "English speaking Europeans", however all our family and financial ties are with England - we are UK pensioners and pay tax in England as well as in France.
Like many other people we are totally disenfranchised which cannot be morally acceptable.
When we lived in England we always supported the Conservatives and feel it is appalling that they are not honouring their Manifesto pledge to introduce Votes for Life. After all, they were happy enough to waste parliamentary time to introduce gay marriages that were not in their Manifesto and only a very small vocal minority of the population are in favour of.
It was outrageous enough when the Winter Fuel Allowance was removed from France using decidedly underhand data but kept for a warmer Italy.
The EU Referendum is probably the most important legislation in UK for many years and has the potential to totally ruin many expats lives, how can we not have a say in its' outcome?
Germany
I have been living in Germany since 1988 and registered as an Overseas Elector every year until I was suddenly disenfranchised in 2003 after the Representation of the People Act 2000 changed the permitted period of registration of Overseas Electors from 20 to 15 years. I still have very strong ties to the UK and visit family regularly for prolonged periods; I just 'happen' to be officially resident in Germany because it is where my husband works and lives, but England is my home.
I have been in France for 35 years, woking as a journalist on French TV and radio. I talk about the threat of Brexit all the time and how outrageous it is that so many of us, who have the most to lose, not only don't have a vote in the matter, but simply don't have a voice in the current debate ! I bombard the British media with messages saying "could you please point out that migration works both ways in the EU and that there are probably as many Brits living abroad as EU members in the UK", but this is never mentioned and the whole debate in the UK focusses around "all these EU migrants taking our jobs" - but the UK is the country which has most of its citizens living in other EU countries. Not only are we voteless but voiceless too and, if things go the way it's looking with the europhobic press, we will soon have no rights and our lives shattered. So I'm in. Big time. alexandertaylorparis@gmail.com if any one wants to contact.
I have lived and worked in the Netherlands since 1999 so have been official non resident in the UK for more than the 15 year limit allowing registration to vote in the UK.
I am particularly energetic about wanting my right to vote as a UK citizen in the forthcoming EU membership referendum . This is obviously of great relevance because it will affect the status of UK expats living in the EU in as yet not fully determined ways, which could range to the point where we become to all intents and purposes 'illegal immigrants'.
Though I do realise this is probably unlikely I think it illustrates the point that our expat rights will change within in the EU especially probably as regards to pensions and taxation
I have lived outside the UK for 17+ years and now work in Switzerland which, although formally outside the EU, is associated with it and a member of Schengen, operates free movement of citizens along with the EU, and has in fact implemented more EU law than the UK does. Brexit will impact on UK expats in Switzerland as much as those working in the EU.
The Swiss did in fact have their own 2014 referendum on restricting immigration which passed by the tiniest of majorities (50.3%) on a 57% turnout and is due to become law in 2017, although because of the probably disastrous economic consequences of Switzerland losing all its treaties with the EU as well as breaching over 30 UN treaties, there may be a referendum re-run later this year.
But whatever the Swiss do, it is completely unacceptable that any UK expats whose entire lives will be turned upside down by this silly referendum being driven in complete opposition to the facts (benefits like child benefit etc are vastly higher in many EU countries than in the UK and are not attracting anyone to Britsih shores - it is job prospects and the English language which are doing so) will not be allowed to vote in the EU referendum. One begins to wonder what the point of having a UK passport is with a government which clearly cares so little about us.
I live in the UK, and as someone born in the six counties, I have dual British and Irish nationality.
My brother has lived in Spain since the late 1980's, and won't have a vote in the forthcoming referendum. I am very worried that the UK may leave the EU, both for my brother's sake, and also from my own point of view as I plan to retire to France or Spain.
Living in Málaga, Spain since 1975.
Bern living in Berlin for 32 years - can't vote here or there - what is with democratic rights and freedom to move in the eu.
I have been a full time resident / tax payer in Greece for 20 years. While I don't have particularly strong views on voting in UK National elections I do feel strongly that UK ex pats living in Europe should be allowed to vote in the upcoming EU referendum. Thanks!
German
German
I am an English octogenarian pensioner who has lived in France for twenty years and am woerried about my future should UK leave the EU
I'm a British citizen with a (very expensive) British passport, and have been living in Madrid for nearly 27 years- so the in/ out referendum will clearly affect me, as it will other UK nationals living in Europe. All UK citizens should be able to vote on this.
Am writing from Madrid, where I have lived for 36 years. It irritates me that we run a great risk of further disenfranchisement by UK where many of us still have to pay taxes. The Spaniards also discriminate against resident UK nationals, who are prohibited from voting in regional and national elections.
France
France - our home for 23 years. Like others, we moved here to work and to escape from politics with which we disagreed. Now retired, our status here, our healthcare, and the life we've worked so hard to build, will all be under threat if Britain leaves the EU. We can't vote in French national elections but ex-pat French voters CAN -- all we ask is equality, what we seem to get is increasing inequality. Morally and politically WRONG.
Denmatk
Belgium. Lived here nearly 30 years but make over 20 trips back to the UK each year to see family and friends. It is only 2 hours by train to London from Brussels !
As a retired British Council officer living in Belgium, I value the reciprocal health snd social security benefits which apply between all 28 EU mrmber states. Although I retain accommodation in London, I can no longer vote in UK general elections, nor in tbe forthcoming EU referendum, which directly affects my future. I prefer the French system which alliws all French citizens living in other countries to vote in French Presudential elections.
As a retired British Council officer living in Belgium, I value the reciprocal health snd social security benefits which apply between all 28 EU mrmber states. Although I retain accommodation in London, I can no longer vote in UK general elections, nor in tbe forthcoming EU referendum, which directly affects my future. I prefer the French system which alliws all French citizens living in other countries to vote in French Presudential elections.
As a Uk Pensioner I was unable to maintain a reasonable quality of life in the UK. Here in Spain I am able to do so. I have always paid Uk Tax and served in the Services.
I regularly return to Uk to visit my family and grandchildren . I may return to Uk one day as no one can really say never.
I feel it was unfair to withdraw my voting rights, especially on a major issue such as the referendum on staying in the EU. When it will effect me as much or more than those living in Uk. I want the right to vote on this issue.
I have lived in Spain since 1970 . I have been unable to vote for many years as the person who held my proxy vote died, whilst I accompanied my husband on overseas service. The voting office in Fareham Hampshire stated that they could find no record relating to my vote and there the matter ended.
What I think is so unfair ....is that I have to pay UK taxes (at source) and have no voice ......surely this is 1760 all over again.
" No taxation without representation ".