This represents the biggest increase in the British electoral franchise since the introduction of full female suffrage in 1928.

As of today, Tuesday 16th January 2024, the 15-year limit on voting rights has been scrapped and British citizens worldwide will be able to register to vote online regardless of how long they have been overseas.

This will be linked to the last UK address they were either registered to vote at or lived at.

Upon registration, they will now remain on the electoral roll for up to 3 years. After registration, electors will also be able to apply online for either a postal or proxy vote.

Today’s enactment is the culmination of the ‘Votes for Life’ campaign, led by Conservatives Abroad - the British Conservative Party’s global network of members and supporters overseas.

Commenting, Secretary of State for the Department for Levelling up, Housing and Communities, Michael Gove MP said: “From today, millions of British nationals across the world can exercise their right to vote in future General Elections and have their say in the way their country should be governed”.

Heather Harper MBE, Chairman of Conservatives Abroad, which led the campaign to restore the franchise, said: “Millions of people living abroad, both working and retired have been prevented from exercising their democratic right to vote. This new measure puts Britain back on a par with democracies such as the USA, France, Italy and New Zealand in recognising the importance of their citizens worldwide.”