Political Parties and Elections Bill

I add my support from the Front Bench on this side for the amendments tabled in the names of my noble friends Lord Hodgson of Astley Abbots and Lord Norton of Louth. The points made have been clear and comments have been made about people who retire overseas. I want to make one point and I have a couple of questions for the Minister. What is the Government’s principal position in their argument as regards a time limit on a British citizen living overseas having a right to vote in UK elections? What is the basis of that argument? The amendment refers to substituting 20 years for 15 years. Here I declare an interest: my son has been studying overseas for five years. Having seemed to enjoy draining his father of a grant and fees, which I have happily provided, he has been encouraged to go on still further. I am reminded that many young people now travel and begin their working lives overseas. Access for people to travel to international universities and colleges to study and perhaps begin their careers is a wholly beneficial aspect of globalisation. From the perspective of someone retiring to Spain, which is a traditional argument, 15 years may seem an appropriate length of time actuarially. However, from the perspective of a student who is studying and resident overseas for the beginning of their career, clearly the limit is wholly inadequate. It is entirely possible that decisions which may affect that person or their parents, or in which they may have a particular interest, could be taken or proposed by a Government. Quite rightly, the person would wish to express their vote in an election. That is my only additional point. I absolutely support the amendments in the names of my noble friends.