LONDON: A British court has ruled that Britons who have lived abroad for more than 15 years do not have the right to vote in the June 23 referendum on Britain’s continued membership in the European Union.

The legal challenge had been brought by 94-year-old World War II veteran Harry Shindler, who lives in Italy, and Brussels-based lawyer Jacquelyn MacLennan.

They argued that a law preventing people from voting in British polls after more than 15 years abroad restricted their right to freedom of movement under EU law.

The British High Court ruled against them Thursday.

The referendum vote on whether Britain should remain part of the 28-nation bloc is expected to be close.

Earlier this month, the court heard up to two million expats were being denied the right to take part in the referendum.

Shindler and other campaigners argue the 15-year cut-off is arbitrary and that rules governing UK general elections, the basis for the referendum franchise, are not being applied evenly.

His lawyers say the EU Referendum Act extends the right to vote to peers, and to Gibraltar residents who would not normally be able to take part in general elections, but not long-term expats.