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Elections

Asked by Rupert LoweRestore BritainMinistry of Housing, Communities and Local GovernmentTabled Answered 9 January 2026UIN 102987

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, if he will take legislative steps to prevent non-UK citizens from (a) voting and (b) standing in all UK elections.

Answered by Samantha Dixon

The Government has no current plans to change the voting or candidacy rights of foreign nationals.

British, Irish, and Commonwealth citizens are able to participate in UK Parliamentary elections subject to residency and other eligibility requirements. In the case of local elections in England and Northern Ireland, voting and candidacy rights also extend to EU citizens with retained rights and to citizens of countries with whom we have bilateral agreements. Responsibility for local elections in Scotland and Wales is devolved.

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