British Deputy Ambassador and Consul listen to EU referendum concerns
On Tuesday 19 July, local British residents had the chance to put their concerns about the recent EU referendum outcome to the Deputy Ambassador, Tim Hemmings, and Consul for Alicante, Sarah-Jane Morris.
The British Embassy representatives promised to keep them up to date with developments concerning the UK’s exit from the European Union.
The meeting discussed the practical implications of the referendum outcome, and was hosted by the provincial government of Alicante. Local government officials, hoteliers and legal specialists spoke to the recently appointed Mr Hemmings about the key issues facing British nationals in Spain after the EU membership referendum. The meeting also heard the views of representatives from local English speaking associations.
Tim Hemmings reassured British residents that they would not experience any immediate changes in their circumstances. Recognising the high number of Brits living in the Valencia region, he explained:
that the rights of both British and Spanish citizens to live, work and study in each other’s countries had not changed, and the UK would remain a full member of the EU until exit negotiations were completed.
The Deputy Ambassador emphasised the strong trade and investment links between the UK and Spain, and said that the UK’s relationship with Spain would remain close after the UK’s exit from the EU.
Alicante Consul Sarah-Jane Morris added:
We are committed to listening to the concerns of British nationals in Spain, following the referendum. It is also important that we keep British nationals up-to-date with any changes as we negotiate our exit from the EU.
More information on what the EU referendum means for British nationals travelling and living in Europe is available on the UK government website.