John, how can that be fair ? What about people whose job entails them working abroad for a period of time. I would like to know if all the people who are against British "expats" having the vote, actually live in the UK. And what is their opinion about Gibraltar. Are they against people there having the vote as well ? They still live near the Med and have lots of sunshine.

@Richard Pearson. It would probably depend on your religion in that scenario, just claim you're a Muslim.

Well, if I was French and living in France, I would protest the people not even livng in the country should have a say in that country's policies. It's wrong, clearly. After 6 months away, you need to register as living in your new country, and that should lose you your vote in the country that you've emigrated from. That's fair.

Would I be wrong in saying that if a national emergency arose, all able bodied citizens, if they hadn't adopted the nationality of another country, would be eligible and called upon to defend their country, eg UK, or wouldn't their compatriots expect them to do so ?.

The French have this right, why not the British ? .

Secondly having lived outside the UK for a very long time! I don't think I should be entitled to vote in the UK general election. I don't pay taxes there or contribute in any way so why should I have a vote? I would like to be able to vote in all of Spain's elections - these affect me far more. However to do this one has to apply for and obtain Spanish citizenship which is pretty logical when you think about it.

First of all those "who have lived outside the UK for more than fifteen years" are not "expats", we are immigrants like anyone else from another country. Please do not call me an expat! It sounds like the man on that video of the 'posh' British ghetto (his description) in Orihuela who said - I quote- "Expats are British. Foreigners are people of other nationalities who live in the UK. The British are never foreigners wherever they go"! Makes one cringe with embarrassment!

Is jealousy raising its ugly head ?

To Humphrey Carter: 'Plight of Expats" ? What the devil is an "Expat" firstly, - and what plight does the UK immigrant have while sitting on a beach here, or having a €6 menu in the sun. Most don't declare their world income here and they're still whinging. The UK pension was designed so you don't starve to death, not to finamce a retirement in the sun. The NHS was formed so that the poor would have medical aid, not for immigrants lazing in the sun in a foreign country.

To Humphrey Cater: 'Plight of Expats" ? What the devil is an "Expat" firstly, and what plight does the UK immigrant have while sitting on a beach here, or having a €6 menu in the sun. Most don't declare their world income here and they're still whinging. The UK pension was designed so you don't starve to death, not to finamce a retirement in the sun. The NHS was formed so that the poor would have medical aid, not for immigrants lazing in the sun in a foreign country.