So Brits who live abroad can now vote in the General Election.

I'm living in France but still pay tax in UK. However I won't be taking up the option to vote in UK. I feel too far removed now to make an informed choice, I know others feel differently though.

Nandalot

It didn’t even go to a vote in parliament. It was a statutory instrument. Do they think ex pats are likely to vote with the government?

I don't think you need to go any further than that for the explanation...

If I left a country to live elsewhere it would have been because I was looking for a better life, so no, I would not want to vote in a country I no longer lived in.

This is the problem with the UK, too many people have a say in how our country is run but cannot care less about it.

Agree. It feels fundamentally wrong.

I also think people who have rejected this country and gone to live abroad absolutely should not have a vote here. Ever, unless they come home to live. It’s crazy to all people who don’t even live here to have a vote.

Surely most long term expats are people who have emigrated. Why would they want to have a say in who governs the UK. It will in no way affect them.
Also they can't possibly understand what the UK is experiencing now. Watching the BBC, (or any other channel) or talking to relatives does not equip them to know what's really happening here.
Those working abroad temporarily who intend to return should get to vote. Those who contributed nothing and have gone for good shouldn't.

It didn’t even go to a vote in parliament. It was a statutory instrument. Do they think ex pats are likely to vote with the government?

My friends ex husband went to Thailand to live ( with various women) about 30 years ago but he remembered to come back when he was 65 to make sure he picked up his pension then when everything was setup off he went back again

I don't understand why you would want to have a vote in a country you had decided to leave and to which you had no intention of returning?

I think you pay your taxes and you are entitled to vote and have your say. If not then not really. Pay more attention to the place where have chosen to live and work. Embrace what you have, not what have chosen to leave behind.

Agree with you, Nandalot. I hadn’t spotted that the rule had been waived, and does use of this word mean that it may be reinstated?
Not a good step.