Brit Expats In Italy Call For Emergency Meeting As No-deal Brexit Looms

Published:  7 Jan at 6 PM
Want to get involved?

Become a

Featured Expat

and take our interview.

Become a

Local Expert

and contribute articles.

Get in

touch

today!

In an attempt to clarify British expats’ positions in several Brexit scenarios, an emergency meeting of British in Italy has been called.

British in Italy is part of the pan-European rights campaign group British in Europe, committed to ensuring the human rights of not only its 30,000 members but also the rights of the five million expatriates severely affected by the Brexit threat. Since late last year, the pressure on those desperately wanting to continue their chosen lifestyles has increased still more due to the chaos in the UK government over Theresa May’s unpopular agreement.

The group believes controversy over the leadership challenges and the delayed vote are hiding the desperate position of those most seriously affected by the UK’s withdrawal from the EU. Around 50,000 British expats are believed to be living in Italy, although it’s possible the numbers are far higher due to a lack of official registration. Both British in Italy and British in Europe contend that May’s withdrawal agreement takes back the key issue of rights to freedom of movement as well as associated rights including the right to offer cross-border services essential for many British-owned businesses in the EU.

The worst scenario of a no-deal Brexit would immediately mean all Britons in Europe became third-country nationals illegally living in EU member states. Tougher immigration requirements would immediately follow, forcing many to repatriate to the UK against their will. Expat anger is now focused on Theresa May, as most believe her postponing of the vote on her agreement was simply engineered to keep her job and get more concessions from the EU, a route which is certain to end in failure as the EU’s negotiators are clear in that no better deal is available.

What is clear is that British expats across Europe’s initial fears have now become reality in that they were being used as bargaining chips in a strategy now proven to have spectacularly failed. Those living in Italy are in the worst position as, unlike Germany, Spain, France and several other EU member states, their country of residence has not yet passed any laws protecting its resident British expats.

Comments » No published comments just yet for this article...

Feel free to have your say on this item. Go on... be the first!

Tell us Your Thoughts On This Piece:

RECENT NEWS

Celebrating Hanukkah In The Netherlands

As the year draws to a close and more and more of your daily life is conducted in the darkness of winter, the Jewish fes... Read more

Why The Netherlands Is The Best Place For Expats To Start A Business

Practica Coaching offers various coaching programmes, tailored to help you take that next step in your career or to help... Read more

How To Deal With Difficult People At Work

I was brought to tears by my boss once in my life. I was 21, inexperienced and a bit naive - just like a 21-year-old sho... Read more

7 Dutch Christmas Traditions To Incorporate Into Your Festivities

Whether this is your first Christmas in the Netherlands or you just want to start celebrating the festive season the Dut... Read more

How To Get A Car In The Netherlands: A Guide For Expats

Moving to a new country can be stressful. There is a lot to take care of, including transportation such as a car. Mobili... Read more

Dutch Tongue Twisters To Master Your Pronunciation

Learning Dutch is challenging - especially when it comes to the pronunciation - but if you really want to put yourself ... Read more