FT Weekend Letter to the Editor, published 22/23rd June 2024

Brits Abroad - Lib Dems make their Pitch

"A boisterous mix of deep tans and bleached blond hair" of Brits living in Spain seem to feature regularly in many stories about how Britons living abroad are likely to vote in the upcoming general election (Expats Bemoan the Parties' Silence on Brexit", June 15).

However, it obscures the fact that 95% of British citizens abroad live elsewhere. And in fact, the stereotypical Brit in Spain bears little resemblance to what you find in other places.

Of the approximately 5 million Brits living abroad (of which 3.5 million are estimated to be eligible to vote), Australia hosts the largest cohort at almost 1.3 million, followed by the United States with 760,000 and Canada with 670,000, dwarfing Spain's estimated 300,000. Brits abroad come from all walks of life and are in many ways representative of those who live in the UK - working professionals, ordinary families with children, pensioners, students.

Many Brits abroad are, of course, disillusioned about Brexit and angry at the fact many did not have the chance to vote in the 2016 EU referendum. Now those who have been away for more than 15 years can join the others and have their say on Europe. 

The good news is that the Liberal Democrats make it clear in their manifesto that they would fix the UK's broken relationship with Europe, step-by-step by removing as many barriers as possible before seeking to join the Single Market. Youth mobility is a big priority. Unique among the main political parties, the road back to EU membership remains the party's longer-term objective.

We hope that Brits abroad will take advantage of the power that the extension of the franchise has given them this year to exercise their democratic right, especially in marginal seats where their greater voice could certainly make a difference now.

George Cunningham, Chair, Lib Dems Abroad

15 Knaresborough Place SW5, UK