Contact

News & Insights

Expats can appeal EU Referendum Act decision

With the referendum due to be held on June 23, the expats’ appeal is being expedited and it is anticipated that a decision will be reached in the next few weeks. The government is wary of a successful appeal, with parliament recently warning that giving all expats the right to vote would be a “complex and daunting task”.

However, such a task would seem slight when compared to the business of the UK renegotiating its trade treaties should Brexit go ahead – something experts predict would take as long as a decade.

Yet, it is important not to forget the individual lives of those involved. For example, those with expat regular savings, pensions and wealth management plans would have to make considerable changes in order to adapt to a Brexit. In addition, there is the considerable issue of EU nationals currently living in the UK.

“It is estimated that 2 million Brits live in other EU countries…Take elderly people who have lived for 10 years in Spain. After five years, they acquired a right of permanent residence as citizens of the union and that includes access to the Spanish healthcare system,” Prof Derrick Wyatt QC, emeritus professor of law at Oxford University told a parliamentary committee.

“If we leave, what do we do about vested rights? Do we recognise rights to permanent residents that have arisen? What transitional rights do we give somebody who has been working for four years in the UK and has children at school and so forth?”

As the expats’ appeal goes ahead it is hoped that the issue can be sorted out quickly and British expats abroad are, at the very least, given a voice with which to show their feelings on Brexit.

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.

Other News

2023: The year to buy property in France?

France, with its convenient location just across the channel, has been a popular location for UK expats, both retired and working, for many years. With everything from fully-functional ski resorts in the Alps to sun-drenched beaches on the French Riviera, the country has something for everyone, whatever your interests or lifestyle. If you have been […]

Read More

BLACKTOWER VIEW – Keith Littlewood in Murcia and Costa Cálida

Spanish and British mugsKeith Littlewood is Blacktower Financial Management’s Regional Manager covering Murcia and Costa Cálida. As an international financial adviser of around thirty years’ experience and an expat of more than five years in Spain, Keith is ideally-placed to help expats negotiate the process of becoming an expat and can help them understand just what it means to be a fiscal resident in the country.

Read More

Select your country

Please select your country of residence so we can provide you with the most relevant information: