MPs to be briefed on how so many Britons abroad were denied vote in GE due to postal vote delays

Wednesday, 15 January | 4pm GMT | House of Commons and online

Our joint survey of Britons abroad into the operation of the postal vote system at the last General Election will be presented to MPs at a meeting to be chaired by Manuela Perteghella MP on 15 January.

The survey was carried out jointly by New Europeans UK, Unlock Democracy and the British Overseas Voters Forum and the report lists recommendations for how the system needs to be changed in the future to ensure that all who are eligible to vote are in fact able to do so.

A postal vote delayed is a postal vote denied and tens of thousands of Britons abroad were not able to exercise their democratic rights despite the previous government’s decision to abolish the rule which barred UK citizens who had lived abroad for 15 years or more from voting and introduce votes for life.

Speakers

Tom Brake, director of Unlock Democracy, will set out the findings of a joint survey on how the postal system performed and recommendations for changes. 

Mike Tuffrey, trustee of British Overseas Voters Forum, will share members' experiences of voting from overseas and ideas for how to enhance citizens' rights. 

Sue Wilson MBE, Chair of Bremain in Spain, and Clarissa Killwick, co-founder of Beyond Brexit – UK Citizens in Italy, will speak about the experiences of voters in Spain and Italy. 

Dr Ruvi Ziegler, Chair of New Europeans UK, will then make the case for overseas constituencies. 

Take part in the meeting online | Register here (S'ouvre dans une nouvelle fenêtre)