The outlook for British expat rights in Spain.
On Wednesday 29th March 2017, British Prime Minister Theresa May sent the letter to the European Union that will legally trigger Article 50 and the beginning of negotiations to leave the EU. During the months that have passed since June’s referendum, one of the post-Brexit issues that has remained unclear is the legal position of British citizens living in Spain. It has been frequently discussed in the media, especially from the perspective of rights for EU citizens living and working in Britain. If the UK closes the door on free movement, as it surely must if it refuses to consider the freedoms of the single market, will both British citizens living abroad and EU passport holders in the UK become bargaining chips in the negotiations? Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy has promised that he will work closely with the British government and announcements from Madrid indicate that the Spanish government hopes for a deal that allows British expatriates the right to remain in Spain with full access to EU benefits. Jorge Toledo, the Spanish secretary for the EU and the chairman of the working group on Brexit, indicated that his government would “in principle” support such an agreement with the UK. He told leading London newspaper “The Times,” As regards the rights of EU citizens in the UK and the rights of UK citizens in the EU, Spain is in favour of these rights in the future but the modalities and conditions will and should be a matter of negotiation.” Undoubtedly, Spain’s interest in guaranteeing the retention of EU rights for British expats is largely guided by the significant number of British living in Spain, as well as the large numbers who visit on holiday each year and often choose to buy a Spanish holiday or retirement residence as a result. There are at least one million Brits living in Spain, making it the largest expat group residing in a European country. Since the referendum vote, British expat groups have been lobbying for their EU rights after the UK has left the EU and Sue Wilson, a campaigner for ‘Bremain in Spain’, welcomed the statement from Sr. Rajoy saying, “I am delighted to hear this positive news from Spain. It is good to know that on this side of the negotiating table at least our fears and concerns are being taken seriously and there is a genuine desire to see us protected.” Now we must wait and see how the negotiations progress and if Spain is able to influence the other 27 countries around the table and ensure the continued rights of British citizens in Spain and other areas of Europe.
