BRITISH EXPATRIATE VOTING RIGHTS IN UK ELECTIONS

Early day motion 2162, tabled 22 October 2007 by Greg Hands (Conservative). Signed by 10 members.

That this House notes the recent Polish elections, which saw more than 50,000 expatriate Poles in the UK voting in their national elections at polling stations in the embassy, consulates and other public buildings in the UK, including the Polish Cultural Centre in Hammersmith; notes the enthusiasm of Poles in taking part in the democratic process; further notes record current levels of emigration from the UK; and urges UK embassies in appropriate locations where there are significant expatriate communities to follow suit and open to allow British subjects living abroad to cast their votes in person in UK parliamentary elections.

Signatures by party: Conservative 7, Labour 2, Liberal Democrat 1.