Overseas Constituencies Update: June 2024

For British citizens living abroad, the right to vote has long been a contentious issue. Although recent changes with the Election Act of 2022 have extended voting rights for life to British people irrispective of how long they have lived overseas, one fundamental problem remains: the lack of direct representation in Parliament for British citizens abroad. This is where the idea of overseas constituencies comes into play—and it’s finally gaining traction

The British Overseas Voters Forum (BOVF) has been campaigning to address this democratic deficit. Now, with the Liberal Democrats officially adopting a commitment to Overseas Constituencies in their 2024 manifesto, the possibility of direct representation for the estimated 5.5 million British citizens living abroad is closer than ever before. This groundbreaking move would ensure that expatriates are no longer an afterthought but a distinct and represented group within the UK political system. Of course, the BOVF is non-partisan and so although we can celebrate what this one party has done, we must now get on with the job of convincing the other parties to do the same.

In several countries with large expatriate populations, overseas constituencies are established to give citizens living abroad a direct voice in the legislative process. In countries like France and Italy, citizens abroad vote for their own representatives who specifically understand and advocate for the needs and concerns of expatriates.

The Liberal Democrats’ proposal would create separate overseas constituencies for British citizens living abroad, allowing them to elect their own MPs who would sit in the UK Parliament. This would offer overseas voters the opportunity to have direct representation—MPs who understand the unique challenges and experiences of living abroad and can advocate for policies that reflect their needs.

In addition to the right to elect MPs, the Liberal Democrats’ manifesto also includes a pledge to allow overseas citizens to participate in UK referendums, recognizing that decisions made in such votes often have a direct impact on the lives of Britons living overseas.

The introduction of overseas constituencies is not just a matter of convenience for voters living abroad—it’s a matter of democratic fairness. Currently, British citizens living abroad are forced to vote in UK constituencies where they may have little connection or where their interests are not adequately represented. The creation of specific overseas constituencies would solve several key issues:

• Representation of Unique Concerns: British citizens living overseas face a range of issues that differ from those living in the UK—such as tax regulations, pensions, healthcare, and immigration. Overseas MPs would have a direct mandate to address these concerns, ensuring that expatriates’ voices are heard in the halls of Westminster.
• Strengthening Political Engagement: Many British citizens living abroad feel disconnected from the political process, often due to the perception that their vote doesn’t count. Overseas constituencies would make every overseas vote matter by directly influencing which MP represents their interests.
• A Fairer Distribution of Influence: With around 5.5 million British citizens living overseas, this population is larger than many UK parliamentary constituencies. Overseas constituencies would ensure a more balanced and equitable system where the influence of overseas voters is proportionate to their numbers.
• Protecting Democracy: The ability for British citizens to participate in key national decisions, such as referendums, is crucial to the democratic process. The impact of events like Brexit on British expatriates—many of whom were unable to vote—has demonstrated the need for overseas voters to have a direct stake in decisions that shape the future of the country.

The Liberal Democrats’ decision to include overseas constituencies in their 2024 manifesto marks a significant step towards addressing these issues. Their manifesto pledge states:

“Enabling all UK citizens living abroad to vote for MPs in separate overseas constituencies, and to participate in UK referendums.”

This is a groundbreaking commitment that, if enacted, would revolutionize the way British citizens abroad participate in UK democracy. It shows a recognition that the voices of overseas voters are critical and that they deserve direct representation in the UK’s political system.

While other political parties have yet to match this bold commitment, the Liberal Democrats’ proposal could set the stage for a broader conversation about how the UK can modernize its electoral system to better reflect its global citizenry.

At the British Overseas Voters Forum, we have long advocated for the establishment of overseas constituencies. We believe that every British citizen, no matter where they live, should have a direct and meaningful say in how the UK is governed. This includes the right to be represented by MPs who understand the specific challenges faced by British citizens abroad, whether it’s dealing with consular issues, securing fair pension rights, or advocating for reciprocal healthcare agreements.

To support this, BOVF is working to raise awareness of the benefits of overseas constituencies and to mobilize our community to advocate for this change. We are reaching out to MPs, political parties, and the media to ensure that this issue remains front and center as we approach all of the main political parties in the UK. We need to do the policy ground work now before another election is upon us. And we are encouraging all British citizens living abroad to engage with this debate and make their voices heard one way or the other..

If you are a British citizen living abroad, now is the time to get involved. With the next general election on the horizon, there is a real opportunity to make overseas constituencies a reality. Here’s how you can help:

• Stay Informed: Keep up to date with the latest developments in the campaign for overseas constituencies by following the BOVF website and social media channels.
• Engage Politically: Contact your current MP and political parties to express your support for overseas constituencies. The more politicians hear from British citizens abroad, the more likely they are to take action.
• Vote: In the next general election, make sure to vote for the party that best represents your interests and that supports the creation of overseas constituencies. Every vote counts, especially in this critical moment for overseas representation.

The adoption of overseas constituencies would mark a historic shift in how British citizens abroad are represented in UK politics. For the first time, British expatriates would have MPs who not only understand their needs but are elected specifically to champion their rights in Parliament.

At BOVF, we believe that this is not just a matter of convenience—it’s a matter of democracy. British citizens abroad deserve to be heard, and overseas constituencies offer the most direct path to fair and effective representation. The Liberal Democrats’ commitment to this cause is a promising first step, and we will continue to push for all political parties to follow suit.

Together, we can make sure that British citizens overseas have the voice and representation they deserve.