The Liberal Democrat Manifesto for the upcoming parliamentary elections in the UK has been hailed by Brussels and Europe Lib Dems (BELD) as a ‘lighthouse and a lifeline’ for the 1.3 million British citizens living in the EU, EEA and Switzerland.
The Manifesto makes three pledges in relation to the 5.5 million British who live abroad in general, and for those who live in the EU 27 specifically.
Laura Shields, Chair of Brussels and Europe Lib Dems, said it represents the most complete offer of any political Party regarding the British diaspora in Europe ever.
In particular, the manifesto contains commitments that the Liberal Democrats will guarantee the EU acquired rights of British citizens living in the EU, EEA and Switzerland after Brexit, will restore the national voting rights of all British citizens by introducing votes for life, and create dedicated constituencies for all overseas voters to elect MPs to Parliament.
“This is a lighthouse and a lifeline for Brits in the EU 27 who have been in the eye of the Brexit storm for almost a year”, said Laura Shields. “Unlike the Tories, the Lib Dems don’t need to be forced to do the right thing when it comes to protecting people - whether it's Brits in Europe or EU nationals in the UK. We won’t horse trade with people’s lives”.
At present, British citizens lose their right to vote after living more than 15 years permanently outside the UK. Consequently, they are ineligible to vote in national elections or referendums, including for many the ‘Brexit’ referendum of 2016 despite it having a direct impact on their futures. The pledge to restore votes for life for all Brits living overseas follows a 20 year campaign by campaign groups including Brussels and Europe Lib Dems.
At present, Brits who still have the right to vote remain on the overseas electors list of the constituency in which they were last registered.
Some countries - including France and Italy - allow their citizens resident overseas to vote and elect MPs in dedicated constituencies for overseas voters. These MPs are tasked with looking after this group’s specific needs. This is an acknowledgement of the complex and different needs of these nationals – many of whom still pay taxes and have strong family connections with their mother country.
Laura Shields added, “Voting should be a human right, not a political football. Lib Dems recognise that the UK’s overseas nationals are ambassadors for their country and should not be punished for daring to live abroad. Overseas constituencies are a welcome step towards recognising and addressing the role and needs of Britain’s overseas population”.
