Harry Shindler argues that the result was invalid because he and other long-term expats were denied a vote

A British Second World War veteran will sue to overturn the Brexit referendum after a European Union court accepted his case.

Harry Shindler, 96, who lives in Italy, argues that the result was invalid because he and 11 other long-term expatriates were denied a vote. “The court can’t tell us to have another referendum but can say it doesn’t recognise the result,” he told The Times. “If we win, then the referendum is overturned. That would put the cat amongst the pigeons.”

Mr Shindler was denied a vote under a rule barring those who have lived abroad for more than 15 years. The Conservatives promised in 2015 to ditch this rule and give expatriate citizens votes for life.

The EU’s general court will hear