Editorial: Voting time

The Conservatives have promised to abolish the fifteen year rule on overseas voting in British elections. This is obviously a step forward for expats because effectively we will have the vote for life. But I think we want more than just a vote for life. It would also be rather nice if the main political parties also took an interest in the well-being of expats as well.  One of the most pressing issues is the announcement that cold weather payments will be scrapped for British pensioners living in Spain. This is just stupid. As  we all know the winters are long and cold both in Majorca and on the mainland. Also, I do not understand why British citizens who have contributed to the British system should be discriminated against just because they have moved outside Britain. I thought that under European Union rules you would have the same rights where ever you lived. Well that is the theory anyhow The Liberal Democrats announced an interested proposal in which expats would have their own Member of Parliament. In other  words he or she would be charged with dealing with their affairs. This sounds a very sensible suggestion to me and perhaps the Conservatives could take note. If the British mainstream parties want expats to vote then they need to fight for it.  I think only a handful of expats actually voted in the British general election, which is a shame. A vote for life also means that we also need to keep our side of  the bargain and vote as well.