UK Expat Pensioners Lose Fight in ECHR

The ECHR yesterday announced its judgment on a case brought by UK expat pensioners living outside the EU regarding equality. The case which was claiming discrimination on the part of the UK government against such pensioners was found not proven by a majority of 11 to 6.

You can read a summary of the judgement from the ECHR here.

It is certainly worth reading, particularly the sentences referring to National Insurance contributions and the scope of UK pensions.

Quite where we go from here remains to be seen, who knows perhaps a change of government will improve matters, although I somehow doubt that given the court ruling.

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British Expats have less than one month to register to vote

The editor of this blog has no particular political allegiance nor is British Expats Directory affiliated to any political party. However I thought I'd share this press release from the Conservative Party, since unlike the other major parties they do seem to be taking an interest in UK expats around the world (read into that what you will). You can also read more about voting and registering your vote whilst overseas at "Voting Overseas-British Expats Should Register Now."

Press Release:
Conservative Party Chairman Eric Pickles today reminded British citizens living overseas that they have less than one month to register to vote if they want to ensure that they are registered to have their say at the General Election if it is held on May 6th as expected.

Eric Pickles said; “So many of the laws passed in the UK affect the lives of British citizens living overseas. Expats have, like so many of us in the UK, been adversely affected by Labour’s 13 years of economic mismanagement.” “At the election British citizens living overseas will have a choice. 5 more years of Gordon Brown’s tired government making things worse, or David Cameron and the Conservatives with energy, leadership and values to get the country moving. By registering and voting in the General Election expats can have a say on the policies that will shape their future.”

The Conservative Party have launched a website to assist expats with the registration process. Philip Dunne MP, Deputy Chairman of the Conservative Party with responsibility for Conservatives Abroad added: “The Don‘t Leave Your Vote At Home website has simplified the registration process, allowing expats to complete the majority of the form online. Expats can now register to vote in 5 easy steps”:

1. Visit www.dontleaveyourvoteathome.com

2. Complete the registration form

3. Print, sign and date the registration form

4. Ask another British citizen to complete the witness declaration section

5. Post the form to the local electoral registration officer in the area you last lived in the UK – address details of which can be obtained at www.aboutmyvote.co.uk by entering your former postcode or selecting the name of your former local authority

Notes:
There are 2.5 million British citizens living overseas who are eligible to vote in the next General Election under the 15 year rule, which allows British citizens living overseas to register to vote in the UK if they were last on an electoral roll in the UK within the last 15 years.

Expats wishing to register to vote should visit www.dontleaveyourvoteathome.com or www.aboutmyvote.com, the former address is linked to the Conservative Party, the latter is not.

Conservatives Abroad have set a deadline of 1st April for Expats to register to vote to guarantee their vote in the general election. This date has been set due to the timescale involved in international postage and processing the registration by the Electoral Registration Office. Expats who register after 1st April may still receive their vote, although it cannot be guaranteed.

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