Overseas Voters working group commences:
The ALL PARTY INQUIRY on voting and Representation for British Citizens Abroad commenced session this week under the Chairmanship of Professor Lord Norton of Louth. Its inauguration was instigated by the speeches of Lord Lexden in the House of Lords in January this year when he moved an amendment to the Representation of the People Act to remove the year limit on restrictions on eligibility to vote. Overseas voting procedures and the voting rights of British citizens abroad were debated at this time, the amendments withdrawn as there was no consensus and an ALL PARTY INQUIRY recommended.
"It is very encouraging that the voting rights and electoral voting procedures for all British citizens overseas are currently being reviewed by this All Party working group. We are extremely grateful to Lord Lexden and Geoffrey Clifton-Brown MP for debating these issues in both Houses which no doubt brought about this inquiry and further parliamentary debate. Conservatives Abroad continue to defend the right of every British citizen abroad to vote from overseas and to make the voter registration process easier". Heather Harper, Chairman, Conservatives Abroad