Tony Blair and his cabinet have always attempted to give the impression that they are a caring government and the people come first. But while expatriates in Spain are being openly encouraged to vote in the British elections they are being forgotten by successive British governments. British pensioners living in Spain only receive a fraction of the aid they would be entitled to if they were living in Britain. They are only paid their state pension. There are no disability payments, no welfare payments to pay for carers. And the list goes on. You might say that if you choose to live outside Britain then you shouldn't be entitled to more aid. A good point. But why then can you vote. It is a very cynical state of affairs and probably one of the reasons why politicians are so mistrusted. That age-old saying, they just want our vote springs to mind. Blair and William Hague have said that this election is about Europe. I would have thought that providing more care for expatriates living in Europe should be high on their agenda. I have often been shocked by the poverty many pensioners living in Majorca have to endure. One of the reasons why I am always pleased to see that the pound is strong is because I realise that there are many people who are just living on their pension.
Both Labour and Conservatives may underline the importance of the expat vote, but give us something in return. Edward Heath has said that he will be campaigning for Europe and the euro. Might be an idea if he campaigns for people of his own age group who are living in Europe.