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Former Chancellor’s comments on French residency spark expat indignation

In an interview with the French English-language newspaper The Connexion, Lawson sounded nonchalant about his decision, suggesting that the bureaucracy surrounding the application and developments such as Etias (the EU visa-waiver plan) were not a concern for himself and shouldn’t be considered so for other expats either.

Application problems for some expats

However, the Guardian reports that many Britons in France have already encountered problems with the residency card paperwork and fulfilling the necessary criteria.

Lawson was unfazed, suggesting that it was just a “tiresome rather than serious” issue.

Campaigners for Expat rights have been quick to react, with many citing the hypocrisy of the issue as well as general disgust for Lawson’s “blasé attitude”.

Debbie Williams, founder of BHOV (Brexpats – Hear Our Voice) said, “His comment about things being tiresome is pretty insulting to thousands of people who are going through a lot of hassle, expense and anxiety to get papers in order, all because of a vote they had no say in. Most folk don’t have the means he has… Like many, his thoughts upon loss of rights seem to relate only to his personal circumstances.”

Concern for the future

For many, the issue of preserving rights for all Britons including current expats is one thing – something Lawson has discussed at length in his reasons for supporting Brexit – but it is the potential loss of freedom of movement and the right to work and travel freely in the EU for future generations that has also sparked indignation.

Labour MP Andrew Adonis tweeted, “Good for Lord Lawson to live in France with full EU rights. Shameful that he is undermining right of others to follow suit.”

Expat financial services providers can help

While we can’t undo the issues caused by Brexit, the team at Blacktower in France and across Europe, can help expats as they approach the eventual shift. By planning in advance and seeking help where you need it, you will be as best prepared as possible when Britain’s exit from the EU finally takes place.

This communication is for informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute, and should not be construed as, investment advice, investment recommendations or investment research. You should seek advice from a professional adviser before embarking on any financial planning activity. Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the information contained in this communication is correct, we are not responsible for any errors or omissions.

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PEPPs – Pan European Pension Products – are understood to be at the draft stage, with regulations set to be examined by European Parliament for possible approval.

The development of PEPPs has come about as a result of a perceived need to give people greater choice when it comes to planning their retirement pensions, particularly given that there is not equality of options for retirement savers across the continent. It may also help address the fact that, according to the EU, only 20% of workers between the ages of 25 and 59 make regular pension contributions.

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The good news is that the Index’s ranking had a few standouts. Near the top of the table, coming in at number two (beaten only by Denmark), was the Dutch system, which is great for any expats in the Netherlands who are eligible to receive the country’s state pension. If you’ve lived or worked in Netherlands, then you would have built up a Dutch state pension. The longer you have lived in the country, the larger your Dutch pension will be (you can combine it with a state pension accumulated in another EU and EEA member country).

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