BREXIT TRIGGERED
'Now get us a good deal' British expats demand from PM May
EXPATS have had their say after the UK government triggered Article 50 on Wednesday to start the process of leaving the European Union.
Now there is no turning back, British expats living in Spain are now demanding Mrs May makes good on her promise to get the best possible deal for them.
Sue Wilson, chair of Bremain in Spain - a group campaigning for the rights of British citizens living in Spain – said: “Today marks a historic event and one that I believe will be remembered in a poor light in future years.
“We hoped that common sense would prevail, at least with regards to the timing of Article 50, but Theresa May seems determined to plough on regardless of events in Europe, such as the forthcoming French and German elections.
“I'm sure many people are feeling the weight of the decision but we must remember that we have a long way to go.
“The fight to retain our rights within the EU is far from over."
A retired La Nucía Briton said: "All we want is to be able to stay in Spain, enjoy our deserved retirement in the con- ditions we have all worked for. I'm sure both Spain and UK will see its in everyone's benefit. "I'm optimistic and I'm sure a good deal will be reached" he added.
Sonny Merali owner of Computech in La Nucia told CBNews: “The official announcement will make no difference at all. I voted out - the only thing, if a resolution cannot be attained is that we may have to apply for work permits.
"Spain cannot afford to get rid of the Brits which live here… what will they do, start selling oranges again? In the long run I believe that the pound will get stronger too”
On Wednesday, PM Theresa May told the Parliament she would "represent every person in the whole United Kingdom" during the negotiations - including EU nationals, whose status after Brexit has yet to be settled.
"It is my fierce determination to get the right deal for every single person in this country," she told MPs after chairing a hour-long Cabinet meeting.
Mrs May added: "We are one great union of people and nations with a proud history and a bright future.
"And, now that the decision has been made to leave the EU, it is time to come together."
In a six-page letter from Theresa May to EU Council president Donald Tusk invoking Article 50, the PM promised the UK would remain ‘ committed partners and allies’.
The letter sets out seven points for the basis of the negotiations to leave the EU.
Amongst these ‘proposed principles for our discussions’, there was a reference to expats under the subheading, ‘we should always put our citizens first’.
Mrs May recognises that there are ‘many citizens of the remaining member states living in the United Kingdom, and UK citizens living elsewhere in the European Union, and we should aim to strike an early agreement about their rights’.
In a report published on Wednesday evening, the BBC pointed out that both the EU and the UK ‘want this settled soon’.
“But in today’s letter, Mrs May acknowledges it is a complex area,” they note.
“Both sides may want it resolved, but the specifics are likely to be an early - and possibly tricky - discussion.”
Other British residents in Spain have also commented on the invoking of Brexit.
David Burrage, the co-founder of the now defunct British Expats Association, said the overall process ‘is going to take much time’ and ‘expats should not panic’.
“We must now all play a waiting game in order to see how matters unfold,” he told Costa Blanca News.
“What has caused me much concern is some of the nastier anti-EU rhetoric which has come from a few of our Cabinet, which has been most unhelpful given the fact of No 10’s declared intention to secure the best possible deal."
Businesses are also concerned. Due to Brexit, Georgina Pennick of Pennick Blackwell property and financial advisors says they will have to relook at their constitution as the income comes to Spain from the UK.
"By going through this transition we will see first hand how other businesses and our clients will be affected bringing money from the UK and vice versa.
"In property terms I feel quite confident that the Brits will be treated like the Scandinavians and the buying process won't be further complicated.
"Exchange rate is always a worry at turbulent times and we will be working very closely with both new and old clients to ensure they get the very most from their income.
"In terms of staffing although it may not be just as easy to hire and contract staff I do feel that Spain will make the transitional period as straight forward as possible to avoid a loss of income and new business to their country, as it relies so much on the British market they will or should do all they can to give what they ask for."
Jacqui M Birch, owner of Angel 25 Tour and Abas Costa Blanca, is optimistic:
"I think tourism on the Costa Blanca is very well placed to cope with any challenges ahead.
"We are in an established "favourite' area for UK visitors and they will always want their sunshine holiday no matter what.
"At the moment nobody knows what Brexit will really mean, but I think politicians on all sides in the UK should accept the referendum decision and "Talk Britain Up" rather than continually predicting doom and gloom.
"The Spanish government have already said that they are prepared to negotiate a bilateral agreement regarding UK citizens living in Spain (and Spaniards living in the UK) so anyone already living here with all of their paperwork in order hopefully wont be negatively affected.