BOVF representative Simon Landy talked on the telephone to Rachel Blake, Labour candidate for City of London & Westminster. 

Simon introduced Rachel to the BOVF key issues, discussing frozen pension and the right to a UK bank.  Rachel confirmed she would consider them.

Rachel confirmed that the spouse visa issue is tied to the immigration debate. She confirmed that she wanted to review it based on what was in the Labour manifesto. She felt it was an issue she could understand.

On student fees, she also saw it as being tied to there wider policy debate of university fees and finances. She said she would take an interest in this issue and understood that BOVF would like to have a corner at the table when the policy is being reviewed.

She agreed in principle that postal voting needs attention and would be receptive to policies ideas on how to improve the situation. 

Simon confirmed the BOVF issue regarding overseas constituencies, and the problems of postal voting. 

We talked on the phone on 10 June 2024. 

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
• Using Embassies as polling stations
• Creating Overseas Constituencies

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