I have been living in France for 19 years. During my working life, the British Government saw fit to send my to various countries around the world to live and work. It had no problem with my voting in UK elections throughout this time. I have a British Government pension on which I have no option but to pay UK tax. However, I as a retiree have now lost my right to vote. I resent being a taxpayer without any right to vote or have any say whatsoever in the taxation system.
In addition to this, due to a weasly worded Anglo/French Convention, signed in 2009 and which came into effect in 2010, we are now also being taxed by the French. This was not the intention of the Convention but, the British Government says it has no intention of taking this matter up with the French.
Julia Wollen - 14 years ago
I would love to be able to vote in the UK, my country of origin and my home until 2004 when we moved to France. We have children and grandchildren living in England, and take a keen interest in British politics. Not being allowed to vote, as a citizen, I find quite extraordinary, and hope that such a short-sighted policy will soon be changed.
John Harper - 14 years ago
I lived in Spain from 1986 until 2010, now living in Penang, Malaysia, (but Spain is still my 'home') and support your campaign 100%.
Derek Callender - 14 years ago
I have lived with my wife in France for the past 10 years and pay tax there. However we are not allowed to vote in french Presidential Elections and wish to vote in British elections .
It is time the UK followed the guidance from France who now have their own dedicated MP equivalent for their expats !
Janette Heap Koliai - 14 years ago
I moved to Greece in 2000 am married to a Greek and run my own business and pay tax to the Greek government. I maintained my right to vote in the UK general elections. I will be sad and disappointed when this right is removed in a couple of years time. I am not allowed to vote in national elections in Greece, unless I become a Greek citizen with a Greek ID. In two years time I will become disenfranchised. US citizens who do not live in Greece but because of the birthright are allowed to vote in Greek general elections. It doesn't seem right. Its about time the UK law changed and maintains the voting rights to those who were born in the UK and of course who wish to do so.
David Norris - 14 years ago
Having served my country in the UK Military and been the father to two children, who continue to live in the UK, then my interest in the UK remains undiminished. Taking away my democratic right because of an arbitary length of time away from my country of birth, is definitely undemocratic and possibly represents the accountants view that administering such democratic rights is so costly that it is not worth it.
I live in France and visit my children back in the UK on an annual basis, so maintain a keen interest in the politics of both France and the UK.
I wish success to all who support this movement for change
Anthony Hunt - 14 years ago
My wife and I pay UK income tax on her government service pension and our healthcare costs are paid by the UK government. The 15 year cut-off point is purely arbitrary. The concept of "no taxation without representation" is fundamental to a truly democratic society. Certain MPs are clearly more interested in their own position than truly representing their constituents. There is also a strong case for specific MPs for expats. When we moved to France 10 years ago, we expected to embrace the French way of life, but also expected to be treated fairly by the UK Government. I have personally written to Lord Lexden and Mark Harper. Whilst Lord Lexden is trying to act in a reasonable and considered manner, the same cannot be said for Mark Harper. This dinosaur is trying to raise every obstacle to altering the status quo. he clearly cannot be trusted to act in the intersts of expats.
Alex Thomas is responsible for developing Elections policy. They are completely against votes for expats and when you look at the ethnic mix of that department you can see we are not represented and that policy is being developed on an unbalanced level.
Clearly no mechanism exists for defining the commitment of British Citizens who reside abroad to the United Kingdom. In all probability any attempt to define a lack of commitment would no doubt give rise to all sorts of discrimination claims.
It should be a fundamental human right for all citizens to vote in the country of their birth.
roger toft - 14 years ago
I have heard a New York Jew say he was entitled to vote in Israeli elections '' whereas I have never even been to Israel''. Having lived in Britain one third of my life, and being of purely British ancestry and having no other nationality , I find it incredible I cannot vote that country's national elections simpy because I have lived on the Continent 200 miles from London for the other two thirds. Yet England likes to call itself ''the mother of Parliaments''. What a joke that is.
Yvonne Roberts - 14 years ago
Country of residence: Portugal
Roberto - 14 years ago
I'm retired and moved to Spain a few years ago. It was my choice. Nobody frog-marched me here. Before taking the decision I researched the implications of such a move. If having the right to vote in UK Elections had been high on my priorities I probably would not have moved. It isn't. I am heartily fed up of reading the moans from those who are happy to emigrate and yet expect to retain all the rights they had while living in the UK. Sorry but it's pathetic!
pat sharr - 14 years ago
I still pay tax in the UK but I cannot vote for how it is spent. No taxation without representation. I pay tax in France but I can't vote here either.
Philip Chittenden - 14 years ago
Live in Italy, have to pay UK Tax on UK investments, time for a change.
Paul Kendall - 14 years ago
I, like many others signing here, pay tax in the UK on my government pension. But really, what is the problem? What is the government so afraid of that they refuse us our rights to have a vote in UK national elections?
PI Kendall, France
Jennywren24480 - 14 years ago
MY husband and I voted (in all elections) every year without fail whilst we lived in the UK and we have done so for the last 4 years that we have lived in France, this is our last year for voting in the UK National Elections BUT WHY....? My husband pays his income taxes in the UK (government service pension - a service that he gave 15 years of his life to prior to being invalided out of, due to several severe injuries over several years). Because I get a small company pension we (as a household) now have to also pay income tax here in France - yet we are not allowed (from the end of this year) to cast a vote in any national election - we become STATELESS CITIZENS in regards to representation. PERHAPS THE GOVERNMENT IS AFRAID that if they allow us (those that have choosen to live in another part of the EC; as is supposed to be our right !) a vote, we may just vote against some of their ideas, which ever party is in power and actually swing the fairness of the UK back in favour of those who have worked for the benefit of the country and not in favour of those who do not wish to work or just enter the UK for the FREE HANDOUTS .......... English people who move even just acroos the channel to France, Belgium, Netherland etc., have less rights than a Scottish person who moved to England - WHY ??? There is no fairness left in England and it is no good going to the Europeen Commission - we are law abidig citizens so we do not need our human rights to be protected - do we?
Jennywren24480 - 14 years ago
MY husband and I voted (in all elections) every year without fail whilst we lived in the UK and we have done so for the last 4 years that we have lived in France, this is our last year for voting in the UK National Elections BUT WHY....? My husband pays his income taxes in the UK (government service pension - a service that he gave 15 years of his life to prior to being invalided out of, due to several severe injuries over several years). Because I get a small company pension we (as a household) now have to also pay income tax here in France - yet we are not allowed (from the end of this year) to cast a vote in any national election - we become STATELESS CITIZENS in regards to representation. PERHAPS THE GOVERNMENT IS AFRAID that if they allow us (those that have choosen to live in another part of the EC; as is supposed to be our right !) a vote, we may just vote against some of their ideas, which ever party is in power and actually swing the fairness of the UK back in favour of those who have worked for the benefit of the country and not in favour of those who do not wish to work or just enter the UK for the FREE HANDOUTS .......... English people who move even just acroos the channel to France, Belgium, Netherland etc., have less rights than a Scottish person who moved to England - WHY ??? There is no fairness left in England and it is no good going to the Europeen Commission - we are law abidig citizens so we do not need our human rights to be protected - do we?
Ronald Turner - 14 years ago
Live out of UK. Pay tax in UK. Fair Play would allow me to vote how my taxes are spent.
Holmes - 14 years ago
I live in France and my medical entitlemnet and state pensions come from the UK as well as other pensions. Decisions by the UK government can have an impact on my circumstances and it is only right and proper that I should be able as a British citizen to in UK ekections as well as referendums.
The whole system also needs to be brought up to date so that voting is much easier and can be based on one's passport.
Having seen Mr Cleggs response to this situation I am appalled at his lack of comprehension on how things work in Europe and presume he does not believe in Europe. He should take a serious look as France in many ways at a local level is much more democratic than the UK
David Hart - 14 years ago
France - EVERY British citizen should have the right to participate in decisions affecting Britains, where-ever they currently reside.
S. Cowell - 14 years ago
Jerez, Spain.
Richard Bell - 14 years ago
I'm now a resident of Thailand, having lived & worked previously in Sweden & Africa & the Middle-East, while also paying 31 years of tax/NI-contributions in the UK.
So why am I stripped of my citizen's right to vote in UK elections ?
It is a poor sort of democracy which treats citizens like this !
J Forrest - 14 years ago
I have voted when I was in UK and still take an interest in UK politics. My right to vote is important to me because it allows me to influence decisions that affect, me, my children, their families and our friends. I am entitled to a UK state pension for the rest of my life so why not the right to vote. I am only a resident in France and not entitled to vote here and have no intention of voting here anyway because my main interests are in UK. Many of us in this position are simply British people that want the freedom to live in any country for its beauty, cost, health, space, etc. That doesn't mean we want to get involved in the politics of that country.
Anita Morris - 14 years ago
Country of residence: Belgium
Jane Pike - 14 years ago
I am currently living in France. As an ex civil servant (MoD) and local Government I will shortly receive my pension which will be taxed in the UK. I have no choice in the matter. As an English woman my father told me that we should be proud that we had been given the freedom of speech and as such I have always voted as I belived that is the way to comment on the way my country is run, it is the only way to have my say. The 15 year rule is basically taking this right away from me and makes me stateless. Give us an MP that cares. However, that could be a pipe dream - there are too many career politicians who are only interested in thier own affairs!!!!
Robin Wardley - 14 years ago
I am no expatriate. My retirement to France twelve years ago has been to re-join the roots of my bi-national ancestry, as many previously have since centuries past, and whilst I should like to feel there is mutual appreciation of the many cultural exchanges resulting from each other’s presence, I have no wish to influence the national politics of my present host country. However, education and welfare of my descendants in the UK is important to me, and after lifetime of work and service there, I should not now be denied my democratic right to influence parliamentary choice.
ps. My 'carte électorale' arrived from the Mairie today, granting me the right to vote in future European Parliamentry & Local Municipal elections. Stated upon which ‘Voter est un droit, c’est aussi un devoir civique’.
Ross Meldrum - 14 years ago
I reside in South Africa and receive a UK state (frozen) pension and still pay UK income tax. If I am Taxed in the UK I should be able to vote in the UK.
Graham Neal - 14 years ago
At 83, self and wife have been retired in Southern France for over 20 years, to refuse to remove the 15 year limit is a Democratic minimum, better still copy the present French system, giving us our own dedicated M.P's in Parliament for Expatriates!!
Jane - 14 years ago
Germany
I work for an international organisation of which the UK is a member, but not even that entitles me to a vote. Being told I could just change my nationality does seem rather to defeat the purpose of wanting a UK presence in these organisations.
Charlotte - 14 years ago
Having lived in France and Belgium since 1973 it would be nice to have the vote again in the UK
Tim - 14 years ago
If I may correct my previous comment : for the first IN my life.
Tim - 14 years ago
I've been living in France for 50 years. A few years ago I was allowed to vote for the first time of my life. In France for the mayor's election and also for the european elections. I was never allowed to vote for general elections in any country.
Brian Brown - 14 years ago
I went to live in the Netherlands in January 1966 to work at the European Space Agency (then the European Space Organisaton).
I was surprosed to learn that I no longer had the vote, which I discovered in a telephone conversation with an official at the British Consulate. No justification was given other than 'sorry, that's the way it is'.
After 2 years in the Netherlands I moved to Germany, still working for ESO. I made a similar call after the UK joined the EU and I got a similar response. I pointed out that one of my colleagues, a Belgian, had received a fine for NOT voting in a Belgian national election. The response was 'well, the Belgians do it there way', which I pointed out was not very constructive.
I have since lived in Belgium and France, and am now retired in France, where I can vote in European and local elections.
I consider it a right to be able to vote in national elections in one's own country and see no logic in this right being refused.
Brian Brown
Rachel Harvey-Kelly - 14 years ago
Great work - coming up to my 20th anniversary in a couple of months
Long live democracy for all
Belgium
jackie gore - 14 years ago
I have lived in Holland since 1980 .I am no longer allowed to vote in England .I visit England 5 times a year . My passport is British I am British and I want the right to vote in England . I feel discriminated against. I should have the right to vote. I have no national vote. Where is democracy
Ian Harvey - 14 years ago
Glad to have this opportunity to register.
What about expats having their own MP (like the French!)!
Ian Harvey
Kenya
Vincent - 14 years ago
Living in the Netherlands since 1998 and in the Middle-East for the previous 5 years.
Happy to support this campaign, as the 15-year rule is an appalling limitation and inconsistent with the laws of other countries and international law.
Manfred Tunney - 14 years ago
Live in Germany since 1972 and apply for a British Passport every 10 years. I also visit my home regularly (Lancashire/Burnley/Rawtenstell) and fin it outrageous not being able to vote in UK or Germany. What does the ECHR say to this and what about equal rights ?
Barry PURCELL - 14 years ago
I have lived in France since 1995, having worked and paid taxes in Britain for 48 years; my wife also worked in Britain for a large part of her life and paid all taxes in Britain. Now in our seventies we are mortified to find that we are disenfranchised in our native country and, as non-citizens, are unable to vote for central government in France. We return to Britain a couple of times a year and keep in touch with all events via good old BBC, as well as by subscribing to British magazines and newspapers. Just because we have chosen to live in a different country does NOT mean that we have no interest in our own country's affairs.
Ann Cripps - 14 years ago
Why the arbitrary cut-off point of 15 years to disenfranchise us? We are still as interested in, and affected by, UK affairs as we were before and have no vote in France except in local government elections.
R J Cripps - 14 years ago
France - I have been disenfranchised since 2009, having voted in UK elections since 1994.
I pay tax in both the UK and France. In a few years time I will have lived in France for 15 years when I will lose the right to vote in the UK. I have no right to vote in France . My feeling is that I have no representation and therefore the elected have no right to tax me. Pure and simple.
John G Windas - 14 years ago
I am a British citizen living in Canada. I demand the right to vote.
Peter Cain - 14 years ago
I and my family have lived in South Africa for thirty years. I am now retired and live on my frozen pension. the short term outlook for us is that imported inflation will rocket in the next three years on top of internal inflation presently 6.5%. Medium term outlook is it will get worse and we will look to returning to the UK , where I hope I shall get the benefits afforded to non-British economic refugees and asylum seekers. I shall also redeem my voting rights. At present it is not a privalege to be a UK citizen. Shame on UK Parliament and especially MP's.
Cliff Turk - 14 years ago
I live in South Africa. My South African son-in-law worked in UK for 2 years and was allowed to vote in the parliamentary elections. Why don't I have a vote? Born in UK. 7 years military service plus another 7 on the Reserve. Still domiciled in UK although living in South Africa for the past 45 of my 80 years. I don't even get pension increases - still on the same rate as in 1997! Expats lose out at every turn. How about a little recognition for a change?
SimonWollen - 14 years ago
France
Simon Lee - 14 years ago
I have lived in France since 2003 and face the prospect of only being able to vote in one more UK general election before I am disenfranchised. How can the EU reconcile evangelising about the merits of universal suffrage and parliamentary democracy for the rest of the world when its own governments cannot agree a harmonised system which guarantees voting rights for EU citizens within the EU! Does it need someone to throw themselves under horse?
Paul Mottram - 14 years ago
Lived out of the UK for 23 years, residing in the Netherlands. Cannot vote in Dutch general elections, only local and European Parliament.
Jessica Naish - 14 years ago
Based in Copehagen, Denmark.
Where do I vote now? Danish local elections, where I have no idea of the issues! I have moved accross the world for 15 years to work for UK Businesses and this is the thanks I get, taking away my right as a UK Citizen
Alan - 14 years ago
I live in Canada and wish to express my support for the initiative.
Justin Ivatts - 14 years ago
I live in the USA and have done for almost nine years. Only six more years to go until I loose my vote according to current British law, unless i move home and back to the USA again when my 15 years would re-start. I agree with this site that the UK is the only country to my knowledge in a developed democracy that does this. I live in the USA because i married an American, I do loke the US, its people and what it stands for, however, I am also proud to be British and would like to participate in the political system.
marie & vic stodel - 14 years ago
It really is high time that something was done about this very sad situation.
Geoff Stephenson in Hamilton, Canada - 14 years ago
I left the UK 35 years ago and have since lived in 3 commonwealth countries - now in Canada. I still feel that I want to have a stake in decisions being made in Britain.
Jane Downs - 14 years ago
Paris, France
Peter Oakley - 14 years ago
As an Australian resident I want to be able to vote in the UK elections, essentially to change the frozen pension rule situation.
Anna Ostris - 14 years ago
Have lived in Canada since 1964. What with a frozen pension and the current rate of exchange I am losing hundreds of dollars a month. Living adjacent to the St. Lawrence River I can look across to the small community of Waddington, NY where I could move and be entitled to a full pension. Just doesn't make sense, does it?
John Haughton - 14 years ago
Ontario Canada
Ray Webber - 14 years ago
British Columbia, Canada
Bob Poole - 14 years ago
Let's have our say!
Ontario, Canada.
James Sleigh - 14 years ago
Live in Canada. Keen to get on the electoral roll in Britain so I can vote for
Scottish independence in the upcoming referendum! I also wonder why my
wee Brit pension is frozen, but if I lived in the US, it would be indexed.
Makes no sense and is unfair.
Daphne Collins - 14 years ago
Currently residing in Ontario, Canada
Clayton Dougan - 14 years ago
I live in Canada and I'm grateful for all that is being done to rectify the very unfair pension situation.
isobel dougan - 14 years ago
I live in B.C. Canada
John - 14 years ago
Hi
I live in Bulgaria.
I actually have the right to vote in my previous constituency.
My complaint is that as a retired Lecturer and an OAP my pensions are taxed at source in England and yet I get none of the automatic taxpayers benefits such as child allowance. That is, I am paying British tax but get no benefits. Of course I also pay local taxes here which is fair enough. I have course written to my MP on this issue but he is obviously not very well informed or interested.
Joyce Ansdell - 14 years ago
I live in Canada
Jim Slocombe - 14 years ago
I live in Canada and wish to express my support for the organization.
Arthur Ansdell - 14 years ago
I live in Canada.
Like most people in "Frozen Pension" countries, I would like to have a voice in the UK elections in order to help stop this unfair discrimination.
Roy Littlewood - 14 years ago
My wife and I live in Canada, where our British pension (based on our contributions made while living both in the UK and after moving to Canada) is "frozen" at the level it was when we first began to receive it. As a result, since we have reached our 80s, our pensions are now only 60% of what they would be had we remained in the UK. This is simply because we chose to reside in thc Commonwealth. Had we chosen to reside in a foreign country, such as France, or the USA, or Turkey, or the Philippines, our pensions would not be "frozen"! We want to have the opportunity to vote against this blatant discrimination against Commonwealth residents.
Claire Gibbard - 14 years ago
Wales UK
David Craik - 14 years ago
Once an American you are always an American, the same for a Frenchman not so an Englishman. As an Englishman you loose everything if you dare to leave England and every civil servant is empowered to do everything in there power to remove you from your entitlement. The fact that you still may pay UK tax on a pension or paid into the NHS for 40 years is irrelevant.
This month the Turkish government has started a health scheme for foreign nationals but when can I have my health service contributions added to the scheme, for the Turkish medical service is now on par with some of the best in Europe and there is no ageism.
Keep up the good work but I think I shall be long gone before the English respect there own people, witness the fight to not increase pensions for some ex-pats. The loss of our vote is a case in point. The fight now out-weights the cost, but civil servants have unlimited funds to fight principals what ever the realities!
I support this petition without reservation; along with the unjust freezing of ex-pat pensions this is an example of successive UK Governments' lack of concern once they are voted in.
Also support the pension petition on http://bit.ly/BritPensions
David E Salter - 14 years ago
I live in Ontario, Canada, and I would like to be able to vote on UK matters.
Keven Hearn - 14 years ago
How despicable of the British Government to deny its expatriate community their fundamental rights! How narrow to assume that our interest in and love for the UK ceases on boarding a ferry or a flight! How typical!!!!
Maria Warren - 14 years ago
We live in France but our pensions come from the UK and we want a say on what happens in the UK...
Thank you
I am resident and domiciled in France for 17+ years and I am the director of a small software business based in the UK and visit twice a month and pay UK taxes on UK profit and income. I was shocked to recently discover the 15 year rule and I have been unable to ascertain (via Hansard) why this apparently arbitrary limit exists (I am aware it used to be 5 and then 20) and why such a fundamental right is withdrawn from British citizens. This leaves me with no vote in UK general or French presidential elections I cannot help but feel this infringes my rights as a British citizen and subject.
I cannot believe this rule is consistent with the spirit of the European Union or the free movement of citizens within it and I cannot see any practical reasons in our 24/24 and 7/7 connected era of digital communication to preclude those overseas from the democratic process on an assumption that they are less well informed than their compatriots at home.
David Bowen - 14 years ago
We feel strongly about the voting eligibility issue, which we first became aware of in 2000, just before the current 15 year limit came about. We have lived in France now for over 15 years, and each year we have maintained our UK voting rights by requesting and returning the relevent forms from the Electoral Registration Office in the area where we lived in UK. This year, however, the forms have changed in such a way that we either lose the vote or have to tell lies on the form. Since our pensions and family ties are in UK, we feel that we should have a "say" in the decision-making processes in UK, and the only way for us to do this is by voting and/or lobbying our political representives. Regarding the postal voting method -personally I think it is a lost cause- and would recommend using a proxy. We did this by contacting our preferred political party association in our cachement area in UK, who were only too delighted to put us in touch with one of of their members to be our proxy.
Dave Hardy - 14 years ago
I live in Portugal and still have the vote for another 10 years.
My gripe is that the voting forms are only sent out 4 days before the election, so that even if I return the form immediately there is a good chance (given the crap postal service) that it won't get back in time anyway. I noticed that Gillian Duffy (remember her?) had already voted using her postal vote by the time of her 'meeting' with Gordon Brown. If Ms Duffy could get her vote in early, why not give ex-pats the same courtesy?
Mike - 14 years ago
I live in the UK and didn't know you lose voting rights after 15 years away. That is wrong!
But I also have the right to register to vote in another EU country.
And the frozen pensions are also wrong.
Jane - 14 years ago
I live in France and what happens in the English parliament does affect us all in one way and another. I have been an ex pat for more than 15 years and would like the right to vote!
Conrad Kozak - 14 years ago
USA
Georgina H - 14 years ago
46800 Montcuq France.. Resident in France now for nearly 10 years. I should have the right to vote and have representation somewhere !
George - 14 years ago
We live in France, and most of my income arises in the UK and is taxed there. One day we shall return there to end our days. I agree wholeheartedly.with "No taxation without representation"
Angela Milward - 14 years ago
I currently live in Spain. All my income arises in the UK and is taxed there. Who said "No taxation without representation"?? I agree wholeheartedly.
Bryan John - 14 years ago
I have retired to the Philippines but still pay U.K. tax on my pensions. Surely I should still retain the right to vote?
Eifion Williams - 14 years ago
I follow what is going on in Britain as much as any Brit and am disappointed that the British government takes the view that Ex-Pats should keep out of British affairs. I have lived in Norway for 24 years and will always be a Brit.
Holly Black - 14 years ago
Living in Spain. Should have right to vote somewhere.
David Gibson - 14 years ago
Resident of USA since 1985, voted every chance I had until I reached the 15 year limit. I hope that this campaign works so that I can vote again.
Rosalind Tosh - 14 years ago
Currently resident in Canada.
Julian PALMER - 14 years ago
1.Put the comments box at the top. How many people have given-up tying to find it?
2.I have lived in France 11 years. I have been registered as an overseas voter since I left UK.
Voting papers always arrive on time - but without paid return postage. I have contacted my MP, and on one occasion an MP from another constituency and have received the kind of response I would have wanted.
I have also contacted an several MEP's, who fail to respond even after two or three requests.
The 'list' system makes it impossible to identify an MEP in the way one can with an MP ie constituency, and the system appears to support MEP annonymity and little political gain in supporting any individual. On the one occasion I did get support, from Jean Lambert MEP I was directed to the E.U's This is a free on-line problem solving network, dealing with the misapplication of EU internal market rules by public authorities. Which was excellent.
http://ec.europa.eu/solvit/site/about/index_en.htm
3. Why haven't I heard of this initiative until today?
I'll circulate you web address to everbody I know.
Jane Williamson - 14 years ago
I should have said that we live in South Burgundy, France.
Jane Williamson - 14 years ago
I heartily agree with all the comments posted here.
Who says that I have severed my ties with the UK?
I have a daughter and grandsons living in the UK and, of course,I am concerned about what happens to them.
Our SIPPpension is affected by rules applied by the UK government, are you saying that I am not interested or affected by that?
This is clearly nonsense and we should all stand up any say so.
ken houghton - 14 years ago
I have now lived and worked in France for 33 years, most of that time spent exporting British food products to Europe, keeping part of what is left of our industry ticking over, securing jobs back home and defending British interests. I have never taken on French nationality because of the likely changes and developments in British policy re ex-pat Brits, or those having taken on another nationality. To no avail apparently -If a British citizen can no longer vote for elections in his homeland it is a fiasco and needs amending and putting right. I cannot vote in the French Presidential election because I do not hold French nationality, but have paid my taxes and all other overheads into that system. Perhaps the bureaucrats would prefer to see us all seek political asylum in the UK after a 15 year span abroad - after a while in the UK the latter can vote, even if they have never contributed into the system. Whitehall needs to give its head a good wobble! There are 5.5 million of us out here, HELLO !!
Dennis Newman - 14 years ago
Canada
Derek Falkner - 14 years ago
Canada
Andy Robertson-Fox - 14 years ago
I am retired and living in Thailand. I lived and worked for in the UK and my pensions are paid from the UK; they are assessable for tax. I believe that in return for the privelege of paying tax i should be entitled to vote. I also believe that having paid into the National Insurance fund on the same terms and conditions as everybody else i should now be able to withdraw my State Retirement Pension from the fund on the same terms and conditions as everybody else. I am not. In common with just 4% of the total UK Pensioner citizenship my pension is frozen at the rate of entitlement when first settling abroad. There is no legal, moral, financial or administrative justification fro this discrimination. Please, therefore also support the epetition on http://epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/16387.
Alison Gee - 14 years ago
As retired ex-government employees living in France our pensions are taxed in the UK, and our total income is also taken into account for French taxes, which we also pay - as well as the local property taxes on our house in France. I have been elected to the Conseil Municipal of my commune and can participate in decisions affecting just my commune - not in those relating to the national government of France, which affect our daily life. It is not true to say that we have no knowledge or interest in the affairs of the UK after nearly 15 years living in France. By means of the internet I maintain that we are as much, or more than, aware of UK politics than many UK residents.
The old cry of "no taxation without representation" is as true today as ever. How is it fair that we pay taxes in two countries of the EU but have no right to vote in either after 15 years?
To say nothing of the abitrary decision of 15 years - why not 5 or 25?
Gill Owen - 14 years ago
We have paid UK taxes all our working lives and have retired to France. We continue to pay UK tax on my husband's UK government pension and it is not fair that we will lose our right to vote after 15 years of living here.
Gill Owen - 14 years ago
We have paid UK taxes all our working lives and have retired to France. We continue to pay UK tax on my husband's UK government pension and it is not fair that we will lose our right to vote after 15 years of living here.
Geoff Owen - 14 years ago
I worked for the UK Government for 35 years and always paid UK tax and continue to pay UK tax on my government pension. I think it is infamous that I will lose my right to vote after 15 years of living abroad. A French national, living in the UK does not lose his right to vote after 15 years. I live in France.
Hilary Ellis - 14 years ago
I have lived in France for almost 15 years and feel very strongly that it is an outrageous injustice to be so disenfranchised. I pay tax in France but cannot vote for the government who will decide how those taxes are raised and spent. I paid tax for over 15 years in the UK and continued to pay NI contributions towards state pensions after moving to France. I regularly visit the UK to see family and for business yet cannot vote in my own country for a government who can make decisions about the future status of the UK within the EU, and hence impact the lives of British citizens living in other EU countries.
I have been living in France for 19 years. During my working life, the British Government saw fit to send my to various countries around the world to live and work. It had no problem with my voting in UK elections throughout this time. I have a British Government pension on which I have no option but to pay UK tax. However, I as a retiree have now lost my right to vote. I resent being a taxpayer without any right to vote or have any say whatsoever in the taxation system.
In addition to this, due to a weasly worded Anglo/French Convention, signed in 2009 and which came into effect in 2010, we are now also being taxed by the French. This was not the intention of the Convention but, the British Government says it has no intention of taking this matter up with the French.
I would love to be able to vote in the UK, my country of origin and my home until 2004 when we moved to France. We have children and grandchildren living in England, and take a keen interest in British politics. Not being allowed to vote, as a citizen, I find quite extraordinary, and hope that such a short-sighted policy will soon be changed.
I lived in Spain from 1986 until 2010, now living in Penang, Malaysia, (but Spain is still my 'home') and support your campaign 100%.
I have lived with my wife in France for the past 10 years and pay tax there. However we are not allowed to vote in french Presidential Elections and wish to vote in British elections .
It is time the UK followed the guidance from France who now have their own dedicated MP equivalent for their expats !
I moved to Greece in 2000 am married to a Greek and run my own business and pay tax to the Greek government. I maintained my right to vote in the UK general elections. I will be sad and disappointed when this right is removed in a couple of years time. I am not allowed to vote in national elections in Greece, unless I become a Greek citizen with a Greek ID. In two years time I will become disenfranchised. US citizens who do not live in Greece but because of the birthright are allowed to vote in Greek general elections. It doesn't seem right. Its about time the UK law changed and maintains the voting rights to those who were born in the UK and of course who wish to do so.
Having served my country in the UK Military and been the father to two children, who continue to live in the UK, then my interest in the UK remains undiminished. Taking away my democratic right because of an arbitary length of time away from my country of birth, is definitely undemocratic and possibly represents the accountants view that administering such democratic rights is so costly that it is not worth it.
I live in France and visit my children back in the UK on an annual basis, so maintain a keen interest in the politics of both France and the UK.
I wish success to all who support this movement for change
My wife and I pay UK income tax on her government service pension and our healthcare costs are paid by the UK government. The 15 year cut-off point is purely arbitrary. The concept of "no taxation without representation" is fundamental to a truly democratic society. Certain MPs are clearly more interested in their own position than truly representing their constituents. There is also a strong case for specific MPs for expats. When we moved to France 10 years ago, we expected to embrace the French way of life, but also expected to be treated fairly by the UK Government. I have personally written to Lord Lexden and Mark Harper. Whilst Lord Lexden is trying to act in a reasonable and considered manner, the same cannot be said for Mark Harper. This dinosaur is trying to raise every obstacle to altering the status quo. he clearly cannot be trusted to act in the intersts of expats.
I think the problem stems from Mark Harpers Elections and Democracy department in the cabinet office.
I urge everyone to email the following:-
mark.harper.mp@parliament.uk ;
alex.thomas@cabinet-office.gsi.gov.uk ;
Alex Thomas is responsible for developing Elections policy. They are completely against votes for expats and when you look at the ethnic mix of that department you can see we are not represented and that policy is being developed on an unbalanced level.
Clearly no mechanism exists for defining the commitment of British Citizens who reside abroad to the United Kingdom. In all probability any attempt to define a lack of commitment would no doubt give rise to all sorts of discrimination claims.
It should be a fundamental human right for all citizens to vote in the country of their birth.
I have heard a New York Jew say he was entitled to vote in Israeli elections '' whereas I have never even been to Israel''. Having lived in Britain one third of my life, and being of purely British ancestry and having no other nationality , I find it incredible I cannot vote that country's national elections simpy because I have lived on the Continent 200 miles from London for the other two thirds. Yet England likes to call itself ''the mother of Parliaments''. What a joke that is.
Country of residence: Portugal
I'm retired and moved to Spain a few years ago. It was my choice. Nobody frog-marched me here. Before taking the decision I researched the implications of such a move. If having the right to vote in UK Elections had been high on my priorities I probably would not have moved. It isn't. I am heartily fed up of reading the moans from those who are happy to emigrate and yet expect to retain all the rights they had while living in the UK. Sorry but it's pathetic!
I still pay tax in the UK but I cannot vote for how it is spent. No taxation without representation. I pay tax in France but I can't vote here either.
Live in Italy, have to pay UK Tax on UK investments, time for a change.
I, like many others signing here, pay tax in the UK on my government pension. But really, what is the problem? What is the government so afraid of that they refuse us our rights to have a vote in UK national elections?
PI Kendall, France
MY husband and I voted (in all elections) every year without fail whilst we lived in the UK and we have done so for the last 4 years that we have lived in France, this is our last year for voting in the UK National Elections BUT WHY....? My husband pays his income taxes in the UK (government service pension - a service that he gave 15 years of his life to prior to being invalided out of, due to several severe injuries over several years). Because I get a small company pension we (as a household) now have to also pay income tax here in France - yet we are not allowed (from the end of this year) to cast a vote in any national election - we become STATELESS CITIZENS in regards to representation. PERHAPS THE GOVERNMENT IS AFRAID that if they allow us (those that have choosen to live in another part of the EC; as is supposed to be our right !) a vote, we may just vote against some of their ideas, which ever party is in power and actually swing the fairness of the UK back in favour of those who have worked for the benefit of the country and not in favour of those who do not wish to work or just enter the UK for the FREE HANDOUTS .......... English people who move even just acroos the channel to France, Belgium, Netherland etc., have less rights than a Scottish person who moved to England - WHY ??? There is no fairness left in England and it is no good going to the Europeen Commission - we are law abidig citizens so we do not need our human rights to be protected - do we?
MY husband and I voted (in all elections) every year without fail whilst we lived in the UK and we have done so for the last 4 years that we have lived in France, this is our last year for voting in the UK National Elections BUT WHY....? My husband pays his income taxes in the UK (government service pension - a service that he gave 15 years of his life to prior to being invalided out of, due to several severe injuries over several years). Because I get a small company pension we (as a household) now have to also pay income tax here in France - yet we are not allowed (from the end of this year) to cast a vote in any national election - we become STATELESS CITIZENS in regards to representation. PERHAPS THE GOVERNMENT IS AFRAID that if they allow us (those that have choosen to live in another part of the EC; as is supposed to be our right !) a vote, we may just vote against some of their ideas, which ever party is in power and actually swing the fairness of the UK back in favour of those who have worked for the benefit of the country and not in favour of those who do not wish to work or just enter the UK for the FREE HANDOUTS .......... English people who move even just acroos the channel to France, Belgium, Netherland etc., have less rights than a Scottish person who moved to England - WHY ??? There is no fairness left in England and it is no good going to the Europeen Commission - we are law abidig citizens so we do not need our human rights to be protected - do we?
Live out of UK. Pay tax in UK. Fair Play would allow me to vote how my taxes are spent.
I live in France and my medical entitlemnet and state pensions come from the UK as well as other pensions. Decisions by the UK government can have an impact on my circumstances and it is only right and proper that I should be able as a British citizen to in UK ekections as well as referendums.
The whole system also needs to be brought up to date so that voting is much easier and can be based on one's passport.
Having seen Mr Cleggs response to this situation I am appalled at his lack of comprehension on how things work in Europe and presume he does not believe in Europe. He should take a serious look as France in many ways at a local level is much more democratic than the UK
France - EVERY British citizen should have the right to participate in decisions affecting Britains, where-ever they currently reside.
Jerez, Spain.
I'm now a resident of Thailand, having lived & worked previously in Sweden & Africa & the Middle-East, while also paying 31 years of tax/NI-contributions in the UK.
So why am I stripped of my citizen's right to vote in UK elections ?
It is a poor sort of democracy which treats citizens like this !
I have voted when I was in UK and still take an interest in UK politics. My right to vote is important to me because it allows me to influence decisions that affect, me, my children, their families and our friends. I am entitled to a UK state pension for the rest of my life so why not the right to vote. I am only a resident in France and not entitled to vote here and have no intention of voting here anyway because my main interests are in UK. Many of us in this position are simply British people that want the freedom to live in any country for its beauty, cost, health, space, etc. That doesn't mean we want to get involved in the politics of that country.
Country of residence: Belgium
I am currently living in France. As an ex civil servant (MoD) and local Government I will shortly receive my pension which will be taxed in the UK. I have no choice in the matter. As an English woman my father told me that we should be proud that we had been given the freedom of speech and as such I have always voted as I belived that is the way to comment on the way my country is run, it is the only way to have my say. The 15 year rule is basically taking this right away from me and makes me stateless. Give us an MP that cares. However, that could be a pipe dream - there are too many career politicians who are only interested in thier own affairs!!!!
I am no expatriate. My retirement to France twelve years ago has been to re-join the roots of my bi-national ancestry, as many previously have since centuries past, and whilst I should like to feel there is mutual appreciation of the many cultural exchanges resulting from each other’s presence, I have no wish to influence the national politics of my present host country. However, education and welfare of my descendants in the UK is important to me, and after lifetime of work and service there, I should not now be denied my democratic right to influence parliamentary choice.
ps. My 'carte électorale' arrived from the Mairie today, granting me the right to vote in future European Parliamentry & Local Municipal elections. Stated upon which ‘Voter est un droit, c’est aussi un devoir civique’.
I reside in South Africa and receive a UK state (frozen) pension and still pay UK income tax. If I am Taxed in the UK I should be able to vote in the UK.
At 83, self and wife have been retired in Southern France for over 20 years, to refuse to remove the 15 year limit is a Democratic minimum, better still copy the present French system, giving us our own dedicated M.P's in Parliament for Expatriates!!
Germany
I work for an international organisation of which the UK is a member, but not even that entitles me to a vote. Being told I could just change my nationality does seem rather to defeat the purpose of wanting a UK presence in these organisations.
Having lived in France and Belgium since 1973 it would be nice to have the vote again in the UK
If I may correct my previous comment : for the first IN my life.
I've been living in France for 50 years. A few years ago I was allowed to vote for the first time of my life. In France for the mayor's election and also for the european elections. I was never allowed to vote for general elections in any country.
I went to live in the Netherlands in January 1966 to work at the European Space Agency (then the European Space Organisaton).
I was surprosed to learn that I no longer had the vote, which I discovered in a telephone conversation with an official at the British Consulate. No justification was given other than 'sorry, that's the way it is'.
After 2 years in the Netherlands I moved to Germany, still working for ESO. I made a similar call after the UK joined the EU and I got a similar response. I pointed out that one of my colleagues, a Belgian, had received a fine for NOT voting in a Belgian national election. The response was 'well, the Belgians do it there way', which I pointed out was not very constructive.
I have since lived in Belgium and France, and am now retired in France, where I can vote in European and local elections.
I consider it a right to be able to vote in national elections in one's own country and see no logic in this right being refused.
Brian Brown
Great work - coming up to my 20th anniversary in a couple of months
Long live democracy for all
Belgium
I have lived in Holland since 1980 .I am no longer allowed to vote in England .I visit England 5 times a year . My passport is British I am British and I want the right to vote in England . I feel discriminated against. I should have the right to vote. I have no national vote. Where is democracy
Glad to have this opportunity to register.
What about expats having their own MP (like the French!)!
Ian Harvey
Kenya
Living in the Netherlands since 1998 and in the Middle-East for the previous 5 years.
Happy to support this campaign, as the 15-year rule is an appalling limitation and inconsistent with the laws of other countries and international law.
Live in Germany since 1972 and apply for a British Passport every 10 years. I also visit my home regularly (Lancashire/Burnley/Rawtenstell) and fin it outrageous not being able to vote in UK or Germany. What does the ECHR say to this and what about equal rights ?
I have lived in France since 1995, having worked and paid taxes in Britain for 48 years; my wife also worked in Britain for a large part of her life and paid all taxes in Britain. Now in our seventies we are mortified to find that we are disenfranchised in our native country and, as non-citizens, are unable to vote for central government in France. We return to Britain a couple of times a year and keep in touch with all events via good old BBC, as well as by subscribing to British magazines and newspapers. Just because we have chosen to live in a different country does NOT mean that we have no interest in our own country's affairs.
Why the arbitrary cut-off point of 15 years to disenfranchise us? We are still as interested in, and affected by, UK affairs as we were before and have no vote in France except in local government elections.
France - I have been disenfranchised since 2009, having voted in UK elections since 1994.
I pay tax in both the UK and France. In a few years time I will have lived in France for 15 years when I will lose the right to vote in the UK. I have no right to vote in France . My feeling is that I have no representation and therefore the elected have no right to tax me. Pure and simple.
I am a British citizen living in Canada. I demand the right to vote.
I and my family have lived in South Africa for thirty years. I am now retired and live on my frozen pension. the short term outlook for us is that imported inflation will rocket in the next three years on top of internal inflation presently 6.5%. Medium term outlook is it will get worse and we will look to returning to the UK , where I hope I shall get the benefits afforded to non-British economic refugees and asylum seekers. I shall also redeem my voting rights. At present it is not a privalege to be a UK citizen. Shame on UK Parliament and especially MP's.
I live in South Africa. My South African son-in-law worked in UK for 2 years and was allowed to vote in the parliamentary elections. Why don't I have a vote? Born in UK. 7 years military service plus another 7 on the Reserve. Still domiciled in UK although living in South Africa for the past 45 of my 80 years. I don't even get pension increases - still on the same rate as in 1997! Expats lose out at every turn. How about a little recognition for a change?
France
I have lived in France since 2003 and face the prospect of only being able to vote in one more UK general election before I am disenfranchised. How can the EU reconcile evangelising about the merits of universal suffrage and parliamentary democracy for the rest of the world when its own governments cannot agree a harmonised system which guarantees voting rights for EU citizens within the EU! Does it need someone to throw themselves under horse?
Lived out of the UK for 23 years, residing in the Netherlands. Cannot vote in Dutch general elections, only local and European Parliament.
Based in Copehagen, Denmark.
Where do I vote now? Danish local elections, where I have no idea of the issues! I have moved accross the world for 15 years to work for UK Businesses and this is the thanks I get, taking away my right as a UK Citizen
I live in Canada and wish to express my support for the initiative.
I live in the USA and have done for almost nine years. Only six more years to go until I loose my vote according to current British law, unless i move home and back to the USA again when my 15 years would re-start. I agree with this site that the UK is the only country to my knowledge in a developed democracy that does this. I live in the USA because i married an American, I do loke the US, its people and what it stands for, however, I am also proud to be British and would like to participate in the political system.
It really is high time that something was done about this very sad situation.
I left the UK 35 years ago and have since lived in 3 commonwealth countries - now in Canada. I still feel that I want to have a stake in decisions being made in Britain.
Paris, France
As an Australian resident I want to be able to vote in the UK elections, essentially to change the frozen pension rule situation.
Have lived in Canada since 1964. What with a frozen pension and the current rate of exchange I am losing hundreds of dollars a month. Living adjacent to the St. Lawrence River I can look across to the small community of Waddington, NY where I could move and be entitled to a full pension. Just doesn't make sense, does it?
Ontario Canada
British Columbia, Canada
Let's have our say!
Ontario, Canada.
Live in Canada. Keen to get on the electoral roll in Britain so I can vote for
Scottish independence in the upcoming referendum! I also wonder why my
wee Brit pension is frozen, but if I lived in the US, it would be indexed.
Makes no sense and is unfair.
Currently residing in Ontario, Canada
I live in Canada and I'm grateful for all that is being done to rectify the very unfair pension situation.
I live in B.C. Canada
Hi
I live in Bulgaria.
I actually have the right to vote in my previous constituency.
My complaint is that as a retired Lecturer and an OAP my pensions are taxed at source in England and yet I get none of the automatic taxpayers benefits such as child allowance. That is, I am paying British tax but get no benefits. Of course I also pay local taxes here which is fair enough. I have course written to my MP on this issue but he is obviously not very well informed or interested.
I live in Canada
I live in Canada and wish to express my support for the organization.
I live in Canada.
Like most people in "Frozen Pension" countries, I would like to have a voice in the UK elections in order to help stop this unfair discrimination.
My wife and I live in Canada, where our British pension (based on our contributions made while living both in the UK and after moving to Canada) is "frozen" at the level it was when we first began to receive it. As a result, since we have reached our 80s, our pensions are now only 60% of what they would be had we remained in the UK. This is simply because we chose to reside in thc Commonwealth. Had we chosen to reside in a foreign country, such as France, or the USA, or Turkey, or the Philippines, our pensions would not be "frozen"! We want to have the opportunity to vote against this blatant discrimination against Commonwealth residents.
Wales UK
Once an American you are always an American, the same for a Frenchman not so an Englishman. As an Englishman you loose everything if you dare to leave England and every civil servant is empowered to do everything in there power to remove you from your entitlement. The fact that you still may pay UK tax on a pension or paid into the NHS for 40 years is irrelevant.
This month the Turkish government has started a health scheme for foreign nationals but when can I have my health service contributions added to the scheme, for the Turkish medical service is now on par with some of the best in Europe and there is no ageism.
Keep up the good work but I think I shall be long gone before the English respect there own people, witness the fight to not increase pensions for some ex-pats. The loss of our vote is a case in point. The fight now out-weights the cost, but civil servants have unlimited funds to fight principals what ever the realities!
I support this petition without reservation; along with the unjust freezing of ex-pat pensions this is an example of successive UK Governments' lack of concern once they are voted in.
Also support the pension petition on http://bit.ly/BritPensions
I live in Ontario, Canada, and I would like to be able to vote on UK matters.
How despicable of the British Government to deny its expatriate community their fundamental rights! How narrow to assume that our interest in and love for the UK ceases on boarding a ferry or a flight! How typical!!!!
We live in France but our pensions come from the UK and we want a say on what happens in the UK...
Thank you
HOW DARE ANY POLITICAN REMOVE MY BIRTHRIGHT
I am resident and domiciled in France for 17+ years and I am the director of a small software business based in the UK and visit twice a month and pay UK taxes on UK profit and income. I was shocked to recently discover the 15 year rule and I have been unable to ascertain (via Hansard) why this apparently arbitrary limit exists (I am aware it used to be 5 and then 20) and why such a fundamental right is withdrawn from British citizens. This leaves me with no vote in UK general or French presidential elections I cannot help but feel this infringes my rights as a British citizen and subject.
I cannot believe this rule is consistent with the spirit of the European Union or the free movement of citizens within it and I cannot see any practical reasons in our 24/24 and 7/7 connected era of digital communication to preclude those overseas from the democratic process on an assumption that they are less well informed than their compatriots at home.
We feel strongly about the voting eligibility issue, which we first became aware of in 2000, just before the current 15 year limit came about. We have lived in France now for over 15 years, and each year we have maintained our UK voting rights by requesting and returning the relevent forms from the Electoral Registration Office in the area where we lived in UK. This year, however, the forms have changed in such a way that we either lose the vote or have to tell lies on the form. Since our pensions and family ties are in UK, we feel that we should have a "say" in the decision-making processes in UK, and the only way for us to do this is by voting and/or lobbying our political representives. Regarding the postal voting method -personally I think it is a lost cause- and would recommend using a proxy. We did this by contacting our preferred political party association in our cachement area in UK, who were only too delighted to put us in touch with one of of their members to be our proxy.
I live in Portugal and still have the vote for another 10 years.
My gripe is that the voting forms are only sent out 4 days before the election, so that even if I return the form immediately there is a good chance (given the crap postal service) that it won't get back in time anyway. I noticed that Gillian Duffy (remember her?) had already voted using her postal vote by the time of her 'meeting' with Gordon Brown. If Ms Duffy could get her vote in early, why not give ex-pats the same courtesy?
I live in the UK and didn't know you lose voting rights after 15 years away. That is wrong!
But I also have the right to register to vote in another EU country.
And the frozen pensions are also wrong.
I live in France and what happens in the English parliament does affect us all in one way and another. I have been an ex pat for more than 15 years and would like the right to vote!
USA
46800 Montcuq France.. Resident in France now for nearly 10 years. I should have the right to vote and have representation somewhere !
We live in France, and most of my income arises in the UK and is taxed there. One day we shall return there to end our days. I agree wholeheartedly.with "No taxation without representation"
I currently live in Spain. All my income arises in the UK and is taxed there. Who said "No taxation without representation"?? I agree wholeheartedly.
I have retired to the Philippines but still pay U.K. tax on my pensions. Surely I should still retain the right to vote?
I follow what is going on in Britain as much as any Brit and am disappointed that the British government takes the view that Ex-Pats should keep out of British affairs. I have lived in Norway for 24 years and will always be a Brit.
Living in Spain. Should have right to vote somewhere.
Resident of USA since 1985, voted every chance I had until I reached the 15 year limit. I hope that this campaign works so that I can vote again.
Currently resident in Canada.
1.Put the comments box at the top. How many people have given-up tying to find it?
2.I have lived in France 11 years. I have been registered as an overseas voter since I left UK.
Voting papers always arrive on time - but without paid return postage. I have contacted my MP, and on one occasion an MP from another constituency and have received the kind of response I would have wanted.
I have also contacted an several MEP's, who fail to respond even after two or three requests.
The 'list' system makes it impossible to identify an MEP in the way one can with an MP ie constituency, and the system appears to support MEP annonymity and little political gain in supporting any individual. On the one occasion I did get support, from Jean Lambert MEP I was directed to the E.U's This is a free on-line problem solving network, dealing with the misapplication of EU internal market rules by public authorities. Which was excellent.
http://ec.europa.eu/solvit/site/about/index_en.htm
3. Why haven't I heard of this initiative until today?
I'll circulate you web address to everbody I know.
I should have said that we live in South Burgundy, France.
I heartily agree with all the comments posted here.
Who says that I have severed my ties with the UK?
I have a daughter and grandsons living in the UK and, of course,I am concerned about what happens to them.
Our SIPPpension is affected by rules applied by the UK government, are you saying that I am not interested or affected by that?
This is clearly nonsense and we should all stand up any say so.
I have now lived and worked in France for 33 years, most of that time spent exporting British food products to Europe, keeping part of what is left of our industry ticking over, securing jobs back home and defending British interests. I have never taken on French nationality because of the likely changes and developments in British policy re ex-pat Brits, or those having taken on another nationality. To no avail apparently -If a British citizen can no longer vote for elections in his homeland it is a fiasco and needs amending and putting right. I cannot vote in the French Presidential election because I do not hold French nationality, but have paid my taxes and all other overheads into that system. Perhaps the bureaucrats would prefer to see us all seek political asylum in the UK after a 15 year span abroad - after a while in the UK the latter can vote, even if they have never contributed into the system. Whitehall needs to give its head a good wobble! There are 5.5 million of us out here, HELLO !!
Canada
Canada
I am retired and living in Thailand. I lived and worked for in the UK and my pensions are paid from the UK; they are assessable for tax. I believe that in return for the privelege of paying tax i should be entitled to vote. I also believe that having paid into the National Insurance fund on the same terms and conditions as everybody else i should now be able to withdraw my State Retirement Pension from the fund on the same terms and conditions as everybody else. I am not. In common with just 4% of the total UK Pensioner citizenship my pension is frozen at the rate of entitlement when first settling abroad. There is no legal, moral, financial or administrative justification fro this discrimination. Please, therefore also support the epetition on http://epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/16387.
As retired ex-government employees living in France our pensions are taxed in the UK, and our total income is also taken into account for French taxes, which we also pay - as well as the local property taxes on our house in France. I have been elected to the Conseil Municipal of my commune and can participate in decisions affecting just my commune - not in those relating to the national government of France, which affect our daily life. It is not true to say that we have no knowledge or interest in the affairs of the UK after nearly 15 years living in France. By means of the internet I maintain that we are as much, or more than, aware of UK politics than many UK residents.
The old cry of "no taxation without representation" is as true today as ever. How is it fair that we pay taxes in two countries of the EU but have no right to vote in either after 15 years?
To say nothing of the abitrary decision of 15 years - why not 5 or 25?
We have paid UK taxes all our working lives and have retired to France. We continue to pay UK tax on my husband's UK government pension and it is not fair that we will lose our right to vote after 15 years of living here.
We have paid UK taxes all our working lives and have retired to France. We continue to pay UK tax on my husband's UK government pension and it is not fair that we will lose our right to vote after 15 years of living here.
I worked for the UK Government for 35 years and always paid UK tax and continue to pay UK tax on my government pension. I think it is infamous that I will lose my right to vote after 15 years of living abroad. A French national, living in the UK does not lose his right to vote after 15 years. I live in France.
I have lived in France for almost 15 years and feel very strongly that it is an outrageous injustice to be so disenfranchised. I pay tax in France but cannot vote for the government who will decide how those taxes are raised and spent. I paid tax for over 15 years in the UK and continued to pay NI contributions towards state pensions after moving to France. I regularly visit the UK to see family and for business yet cannot vote in my own country for a government who can make decisions about the future status of the UK within the EU, and hence impact the lives of British citizens living in other EU countries.
No taxation without representation!