A Brexit update from the British consulate

On Tuesday the 18th I had the pleasure of meeting the British consulate Sara-Jane Morris. Sara-Jane and her team had spent the month touring the county to dispel any myths about possible Brexit outcomes and to provide as much fresh information as possible in the current political climate. The aim of this report is to transmit the information that was given at the presentation and therefore to inform those who were unable to attend. It is clear to see that nobody really knows what the outcome of Brexit is going to be. However, Sara-Jane and her team told us what they do know up to now.

Withdrawal Agreement

The first point that was brought up was regarding the withdrawal agreement which had been agreed between the E.U. and Britain, based on the possibility that Teresa May's deal passes through parliament. The focus was on citizens rights, post March 29th 2019.

It has been agreed that after Brexit, those who are resident in Spain (those that have the green residency card) will maintain all of their current rights in Spain except the right to vote in local elections (it was stressed that this still had to be agreed). Incremented pensions from the UK would still exist, as would Spanish pensions for those that have worked in Spain. In addition, the healthcare agreement for pensioners (S1 certificate) would be respected, meaning that pensioners who are resident will have access to public healthcare. It was stressed on several occasions that your rights can only be respected if you exist on the Spanish system and are a registered resident in Spain. This registration must happen before the end of the transition period in 2020.

Another issue that was raised when discussing the withdrawal agreement was the right to move residency within Europe. It was concluded that this right has yet to be finalised between all parties and that incremented pension payments may not be available (although it was suggested that fixed pension payments wouldn't change).

Regarding voting in local elections, this is a right that we would initially lose until further agreements are made. It was suggested that if we wish to vote in next May's local election then we would have to be both resident in Spain and also be on the voting register before January 2019.

No Deal

This is the topic that appears to concern people most. Of course, there is a huge range of opinion and false information floating around in the media and it was impossible for the consulate to give us any clear facts on the topic. However, what Sara-Jane and her team wanted to stress was that in the event of a no deal scenario, both the British and Spanish governments wanted as peaceful and fluid a transition as possible. A statement by Pedro Sanchez, the current prime minister of Spain, was read which suggested that he wanted to protect the same rights for U.K. citizens in Spain. Obviously, the same treatment would have to be reciprocated by the U.K. government.

Conclusion

In conclusion, if Teresa May's deal successfully passes through parliament, then we have a much clearer idea about where us Brits stand in the context of pensions, healthcare and rights. Citizens rights was one of the first things to be agreed between the U.K. and E.U. leaders. If we find ourselves in a no-deal scenario, then it appears that both parties will strive to find a common ground. However, there are no guarantees. I'm sure, like me, you are looking forward to this whole chapter being closed once and for all, so we can have a bit of clarity and move on with our lives.

In addition to the presentation, I stayed behind to speak to members of the consulate team about specific issues such as universal health care in Spain and to ask for some clarity in the process of becoming resident.

Below I have added an important web link which is a trustworthy government source to keep on top of any changes or updates:

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/advice-for-british-nationals-travelling-and-living-in-europe

In addition, the consulate recommended keeping on top of changes via the facebook page:

https://www.facebook.com/BritsInSpain/

If you would like to discuss any of the information above or you would like any assistance with putting your papers in order, please don't hesitate to contact us via our website: www.lingomar.com and please also like our facebook page for updates and advice such as this.

https://www.facebook.com/lingomar/

I hope you have found this article useful. We are working every day to make your life in Spain a little easier.

David Wilde