In a modern Western democracy how can a huge number of honest, tax-paying individuals find themselves outside the voting process, disenfranchised and voiceless?

This is the situation facing thousands of British expats living in Spain right now who fall foul of the gap between UK and Spanish legislation.

Elizabeth is an English teacher from Kent who moved to Catalunya seven years ago. Since she came to Spain she has maintained her postal vote in the UK, but in eight years that will expire and she will no longer qualify to vote in British elections. While she is able to vote in local Spanish and European elections Spain only allows nationals to vote in general elections.

So where does that leave her? Quite simply, without a vote.

If she wishes to vote fully in Spain Elizabeth must become a Spanish citizen, if they accept her. It is a complicated, lengthy legal process which also involves formally renouncing her British nationality in front of a judge and swearing allegiance to the Spanish crown.