British citizens who have been living overseas for more than 15 years are to get the right to vote in UK parliamentary elections, a letter from Prime Minister Boris Johnson has promised.
The British PM sent the letter to long-time campaigner Harry Schindler MBE, a 99-year-old British citizen who retired to Italy, where he currently lives.
Mr Schindler has campaigned for more than 20 years for British nationals living abroad to have the right to vote in UK elections, even if they have lived outside of the country for more than 15 years.
The letter, which was sent on headed paper from 10 Downing Street and signed by Boris Johnson, read: “The government is committed to scrapping the arbitrary rule that prevents British citizens who have lived abroad for more than 15 years from participating in UK parliamentary elections.
. . . and we sincerely hope it’s not an April Fool !