Brits And Spanish Business Owners Now Fearing Brexit Disaster

Expats in Spain are growing ever more concerned now that Brexit is a grim reality.

With just 29 days to go before Britain finally and officially quits the European Union, the reality of an uncertain future is now hitting hard on UK expats living, working or retiring in Spain. Since the disastrous result of the Brexit referendum, Britons overseas have been living in hope that the so-called ‘advisory’ vote would be reversed after common sense set in, but are now facing the reality of successful political manouvering by the UK’s new Prime Minister.

As has been said in literally hundreds of online sources, a large number of expat Britons in Europe were denied the referendum vote as they’d left the UK more than 15 years ago. The majority are retirees who chose Spain for its affordability and warm weather, and who are now facing the unknown due to four years’ wasted time by self-serving politicians. Unsurprisingly, panic is now setting in across Spain’s expat communities as there’s still no indication as to Britons’ statuses in Europe.

Spanish businesses reliant on the tourist and expat spend are also panicking, as no clarity has been given as to Brexit’s effect on SMEs as well as larger companies in the hospitality trade. One respected English language media outlet is reporting that many Britons are now registered as residents, but are still unsure as to what this will mean in the long term. Healthcare is still a major issue amongst British expat retiree communities, and access to pensions is another worry.

Expats are blaming the lack of information on the services offered by British consular staff, quoting unclear statements, a lack of genuine concern and ambassadorial advice not to panic. New British Prime Minister Boris Johnson is coming in for a great deal of criticism and is being seen as only caring for his own position. Many believe UK expats in Europe have been deliberately treated like ‘mushrooms’ by their government – kept in the dark and fed b*lls**t.