Many British expats living around the world believe they would benefit from better representation in British Government, and given many are still paying tax in the UK in some way or other, they arguably deserve a voice in the country that spends their money.

Article written by The Overseas Guides Company

A petition calling for the introduction of an MP to represent expats in Spain and other countries, recently launched by a British person in Spain, highlights in 2013 the frustration felt by many expats who often feel powerless and voice-less when faced with tricky situations or on-going controversies.

The fight for all UK pensions to rise with inflation, wherever the recipient lives in the world, the preservation of the same right to benefits – such as the winter fuel allowance – for all retired UK citizens and fighting off the threat of losing an illegally built home – three examples of when an MP could support the cause of a large group of expats or individuals.

Under current rules, expats retain the right to vote in UK elections, but only in the constituency they lived in before emigrating and for a maximum of 15 years after leaving the UK, after which they lose that right. Even under this system, the local MP they vote for is unlikely to prioritise the needs of expats over local constituents in the UK. Having an MP, whose constituency would cover areas or countries with a high concentration of expats, would bring reassurance and greater political power on a global scale to expats. Ask the French – they already have MPs representing their expats in northern Europe.

Commented Editor of the Overseas Guides Company Richard Way: “It’s little wonder expat groups are calling for inheritance tax liabilities in the UK to be scrapped after 15 years, given that after that time they lose their right to vote. Currently, UK law states that if you are domiciled in the UK, inheritance law is charged on all of your assets regardless of where they are situated across the world. If you are domiciled elsewhere – the inheritance taxes are only applied on those assets that you own in the UK. The meaning of the word ‘domicile is often misunderstood, which is speaking to an IFA specialising in living or moving abroad is so important, something we can help with at OGC.”

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