Expat Brits with frozen pensions given hope by two MPs

Published:  4 Sep at 6 PM
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Many thousands of expat Britons affected by frozen pensions discrimination are being given hope by two MPs determined to have the law changed.

Two senior Conservative backbencher members of parliament, Sir Peter Bottomley and Sir Roger Gale, have announced that they will attempt to ensure that all overseas British pensioners will receive their annual index-linked pension increases. The recently announced Pensions Bill is at present in the parliamentary process, with the pair aiming to table an amendment.

Pensioners in many favourite expat destinations such as Australia, New Zealand, Canada and Thailand have their pensions frozen from the day they leave the UK, causing severe hardship to those living permanently overseas. Index-linked increases are only paid to those whose countries of residence have bilateral agreements with the UK.

Over a million state pensioners are affected, with some living on less than £10 per week even although they have paid contributions over their working lives in the UK. Late last month, a call was made by campaigners for the increases that Britain should be suspended from the Commonwealth as its government is breaching the Commonwealth Equality Charter signed by the Queen.
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