Mailing from the Votes - for - expats campaign
This mailing concerns three matters. The common link is the way of life of British Citizens across the world, particularly the more elderly, and a call for solidarity. The solidarity is emphasised by the need for the Vote and a democratic dialogue with Government.
1. The first matter concerns only the elderly citizens resident in just seven of the EU States - The
first two attachments relate solely to these citizens.
These attachments are on the subject of the Old-Age Benefit known as the
Winter Fuel Payment(WFP).
Those of you in many countries beyond the EU know very well that various Governments have imposed restrictions on the payments of the State Pension. This philosophy is spreading to the residents in certain EU States. So we have this current WFP restriction. That knowledge surely helps to unite all British Citizens abroad in solidarity for the cause of political awareness and a dialogue between the Citizen and the Government which should recognise the British Nation - the British Citizens across the world- their value and their needs.
2.
Our main cause - Votes - for - Life Bill in Parliament. ( and the EU Referendum issue)
This Bill, contrary to my expectation, has not yet appeared. David Cameron has promised to launch it within this Parliament - that means before May. Time is running out.
It central objective will be to remove the 15 year limit on voting. Ostensibly this Bill would eliminate the divisions between British Citizens at home and those abroad.
It could lead the way to a better understanding of the needs of the citizens worldwide as long as the Citizens abroad take up the opportunities to have a dialogue with the politicians at 'home'. It is a long hard road but nothing is achieved unless one takes the first steps on the journey.
Why is there a delay in tabling this Bill? It is puzzling. Possibly it is linked with the
Referendum. Perhaps a third of the cabinet are Euro-sceptic. The euro-sceptics position seems to be that all British Citizens abroad would vote 'stay-IN'. May be it is the euro-sceptics who do not want the Votes-for-Life Bill to be hurried through the House. I know that they are mistaken. I have received several mails from those who live far way from Europe who believe that the UK would be better off out of the EU, freed from EU controls and expenditure. Even some who live within the EU would say NO. On the other hand elderly citizens resident in the EU are fearful that could lose their health support and following the loss of the WFP could even get further restriction on the State pension like our Australian and South African compatriots. Those far distant citizens who might wish to retire back close to the UK within the EU, might well find that possibility shut off. Younger professionals and students could find the current flexibility of movement of themselves or of their business, career or services within the EU constrained, and be considered no longer as European citizens. Without Britain acting as a major controlling influence in the EU (which it has not enthusiastically shown itself to do so far!), reforming and guiding change - which is surely needed, some believe that the EU could, State by State, fall apart. The publication this Tuesday on the relationship of Britain in the EU by Donald Tusk [President EU] brings the need for democratic representation of the British Citizens in the EU into sharp focus. Many Citizens will have no vote in the Referendum unless there is quick action.
Register to Vote if you can, whatever your opinion - View the third attachment 'Register to vote'.
3.
Equitable Life saga - This was the main concern of Graham Richards who died about a year ago, and was most helpful in pursuing the ideals of the Votes for Expat Brits Campaign. The fourth attachment
'Equitable Brief' is relevant. Numerous pensioners have lost fortunes because of this scandal.
A debate in the Commons is being held on the
11th February
Remember lists of MPs are here- if you wish to lobby any of them --
http://www.parliament.uk/mps-lords-and-offices/mps/
