The British Overseas Voters Forum (BOVF) has made encouraging progress in supporting the tabling of an Early Day Motion (EDM) in Parliament that supports the right of British citizens to live in the United Kingdom with their non-UK spouses.
For many Britons living overseas, returning home with a husband or wife remains unnecessarily difficult, expensive, and uncertain under the current spouse visa system. Families often face significant financial and administrative barriers when seeking to establish their lives together in the UK.
A Simple Principle
BOVF believes the principle should be straightforward:
British citizens should have the right to live in the UK with their spouse, subject to reasonable checks to ensure relationships are genuine and that families will not rely on public funds.
This approach would protect the integrity of the immigration system while respecting the fundamental right of British families to live together in their own country.
An Important Parliamentary Step
The tabling of this Early Day Motion is an important step towards bringing this issue before Parliament and raising awareness of the challenges faced by British citizens living overseas and their families.
By highlighting the impact of current spouse visa requirements, the motion provides an opportunity for policymakers to consider reforms that better reflect the needs and rights of British families.
How You Can Help
We have a policy team who have focused on driving this area. You can get in touch if you’d like to be involved.
Early Day Motions gain influence when Members of Parliament add their signatures in support. If this issue matters to you, please consider contacting your MP and asking them to support.
