UK-EU referendum: Brits in Belgium encouraged to register to vote today

British citizens living in Belgium are being encouraged today to take a few minutes to register to vote ahead of a forthcoming referendum on the UK's membership of the European Union.

The Electoral Commission hopes that a day of awareness raising across the world will boost the number of British expats signing up for the electoral roll.

The British Embassy in Brussels estimates that there are about 31,000 UK citizens living in Belgium - although some of them will not be eligible to vote in the referendum or a general election because they have lived here for more than 15 years.

British ambassador to Belgium, Alison Rose, says: "Many people aren't aware that it is possible to register as an overseas voter for certain UK polls. Many people are eligible to vote and now it's easier than ever to take the first step by going online."

She adds that today is "the perfect opportunity for everyone to encourage friends, family or colleagues to check if they can take part and ask them to go online to register from wherever they are in the world".

Alan Campbell (pictured), deputy head of mission and consul general at the British embassy, says: "Thursday is about raising awareness about the fact that people can register to vote. It makes such sense because it just takes a few minutes to do this online."

Eligible voters can choose from either a postal vote, appointing a proxy or, says Campbell, "it may well be for some people living in Belgium that you might be able to be back on the day to vote - that's also an option".

He adds: "One of the reasons why we're recommending that people register now is so that there will be less of an issue when it comes to postal votes. We don't know the date for any referendum. There will be a cut-off point at which people will no longer be able to register. We don't want people to be caught out by that."

To register, visit www.gov.uk/register-to-vote