Willie-O, I have one parent and 3 grandparents born in the UK. I was born in Canada (Niagara Penn.). I moved to Wales in 1980 and can work, vote and I even have a UK passport now. At the time, patriality for Canadians hinged on having a father or grandfather who is/was a UK citizen. oops. Sorry: 'subject'. Which I did. My now ex-hubbie could get in, work and vote because he was married to me. 6 months after we divorced, Home Office gave him notice to quit. ie he was deported. (This is where I tend to break out in raucus laughter, but I'm trying to be more sedate as I get older...) So - they do keep track.

I think the rules do change from time to time, so I try not to do anything too outrageous in terms of political/social protest just to stay below the Home Office radar.... (Joking: I'm really very well behaved. -ish.)

sian