Local MP Mims Davies has celebrated the progress of a bill which will lift the 15 year time limit on the right to vote for UK citizens living abroad – a key issue for many past and present constituents.
Commenting, Mims said:
“I am regularly contacted by constituents who have moved abroad, but who have enduring links with the Eastleigh constituency – and who still have plenty of friends and family in the area.”
“Many people, for example, work for multinational companies that are based locally, such as Eastleigh and Hamble-based manufacturer Coopervision Ltd. and Eastleigh-based GE Aviation, whom I have visited on a number of occasions. ”
“As companies grow, employees find themselves travelling out of the country for long periods of time on business - and currently run the risk of becoming ineligible to vote in UK elections.”
“These people have a real stake in the way our country is governed and we should not exclude them based on an arbitrary time limit.”
“Expats retain strong links with the UK: they may have family here and may plan to return here in the future. It is right that their voices should be heard and I am delighted to support them.”
The Bill will ensure that nearly five million Britons living overseas have the opportunity to take part in our democracy.