Ed Vickers explained to Peter about a number of the BOVF Key Issues.

Frozen Pensions:

Peter is sympathetic and would likely support calls for a Labour government to seriously look into this.

Spousal Visa:

Peter was aware of, and concerned about the Minimum Income Requirement (MIR). He recognises the damage that an inappropriately high minimum income level for spouse visas may cause to the UK (e.g. in terms of hampering efforts to retain or attract skilled workers back to the UK).

He said that this issue cannot be reduced to economic considerations. He stated that the Labour Party’s position was that the Migration Advisory Committee should be asked to review the minimum income requirement for spouse visas.

Fully Functional Voting:

Peter stated that he is very keen to ensure that voting is made as easy as possible for everyone.

Overseas Constituencies:

Peter was not aware of the practice of maintaining overseas constituencies for overseas voters (as the French do). He is a ‘big supporter of constituency politics’, so is open to the idea of overseas constituencies, and feels that the merits of the model need further study.

If you are not aware of the issues I raised, they are;

• UnjustFrozen Pensions
• Unfair Overseas Uni Fees for British students studying in the UK
• Harsh Spousal Reunion rules
• Right to a British bank account
• Discriminatory Housing Loan interest
• Fully Functioning Voting
• Creating Overseas Constituencies

For more information about the British Overseas Voters Forum, see https://www.bovf.org.uk/