UK interests last a lifetime, not 15 years
In response to two commenters in the “ You said it ...” column in the February issue, as to why UK residents in France should not want or indeed have the right to a vote in UK affairs.
Many UK citizens, especially those on government/local government pensions, pay a great deal of tax in the UK.
In our situation, we pay UK tax on our entire taxable income, ie all income apart our personal allowances. So we feel we have every right to have input.
Pat Thompson, by email
The correspondent who claims to have no interest in voting in the UK after 15 years abroad has missed the point.
I care very much that Britain has committed to a course of action which has affected me adversely financially, is likely to affect my gîte business for the same reason, and could affect my future access to healthcare in France etc.
We should be interested in what Britain does. It affects us all, even if we have chosen to live abroad.
H. Groeneveld, by email
There appear to be some people who feel “they are missing something” in the debate as to whether people who have been away for 15 years should be entitled to a vote in the UK.
I still have a business in the UK. I employ 10 people, pay taxes in the UK, draw a pension which I’ve paid for in the UK, have children and grandchildren in the UK.
So telling me that I don’t have a part to play in the nation’s voting is wrong – and yes, they are “missing something” in this debate.
Gary Stark, Moissac
