Brexit is still a major source of anxiety in the United Kingdom and beyond its borders. As Brexit negotiations continue, it is important to consider how Brits abroad feel about the unfolding developments. After all, the referendum that led to Brexit was held before the UK had officially left the European Union, which raises the question of how Britons living away from the country perceived at the time and what their feelings are now.
Despite being away from the country, Brits abroad are still citizens. They still cast votes, pay taxes, and in some cases, face heavier implications from Brexit than those living in the UK. This article will explore how the feelings of Brits living abroad towards Brexit have changed and what lies ahead for them in the future.
Understanding the Emotional Impact of Brexit for British Expats
Before one can explore how British nationals abroad feel about Brexit, it is important to understand how Brexit impacted them emotionally. Brexit is a seismic shift in the UK’s relationship with the EU, one that Britons living abroad did not vote to support or oppose. This means that they, in many cases, were powerless and had to watch their homeland make choices that would affect their lives.
This led to many feeling angry, frustrated, and confused. They felt disempowered, unable to influence the decision made back home, while also having to navigate the uncertainty and changes brought on by the exit. During the transition period, many Brits abroad felt either completely cut off or connected only partially to the political debates in the UK.
What Has Been The Priority For Brits Living Abroad?
● Maintaining their rights: Following the referendum, the rights of British nationals living abroad in the EU have been a major priority for them. For example, those living in Spain have been keen on ensuring that their healthcare rights, their career rights, and the ability for their families to travel outside the EU without a visa remain intact.
● Economic stability: British citizens living abroad also have to worry about their jobs and financial security. Freelancers, entrepreneurs, and those who are no longer bound by the EU’s rights to freedom of movement have voiced concerns over the impact of Brexit on the economic stability of their current region.
● Maintenance of close ties: Despite the instability of Brexit and the possible rupture of ties between the UK and the EU, many Brits abroad remain connected to their roots through the strong ties they maintain to the UK. From expats in Spain and those in other EU countries, they want to remain connected to their homeland and maintain the mutual ties between them.
What Are Brits Living Abroad Doing to Remain Connected?
Despite the uncertainty surrounding Brexit, many British citizens living abroad have taken steps to remain connected to their native country. Here are a few:
● Using social media and online forums to remain informed: Social media platforms have become a major platform for keeping up-to-date with Brexit news. Brits abroad, who aren’t necessarily provided with the same news sources of their peers back in the UK, have resorted to social media platforms to gain the latest updates on Brexit.
● Joining and forming expat groups: With the rise of social media and digital platforms, Brits abroad have been able to join or form expat groups to stay connected as a community of like-minded people living away from their native country.
● Continuing to fight for their rights: Despite being away from the UK, a number of Brits abroad have been fighting for the rights they were granted by EU membership. For instance, they’ve campaigned for the protection of the rights of UK nationals living in the EU and taken part in activities aimed at stopping a no-deal Brexit.
Views of Brits Living Abroad About Brexit
Of course, opinions on Brexit vary widely among British expats. Here is what the majority of the Brits living abroad have had to say about Brexit:
● Frustration over being removed from the political process: Due to the way Brexit has been handled in the past, many Brits abroad have expressed that they feel frustrated with the UK’s political process that does not take into account the views of those living abroad.
● Believing the UK has moved backward: Most Brits abroad believe that the UK’s decision to move away from the EU has been a move backward and not toward progress. Consequently, most have voiced dissatisfaction with the UK government’s decision-making process.
● Fear over changes to rights: Most Brits abroad have voiced fears over the changes to the rights they had enjoyed while part of the EU. These fears center around the loss of free movement between EU countries, possible changes to taxation, and a possible end to the right of cross-border healthcare access.
What Does The Future Hold for Brits Living Abroad Post-Brexit?
Given that the Brexit transition period is set to end on 31st December 2020, many Britons living abroad are left to wonder what the next steps are for them. The answer isn’t straightforward and is subject to change, as the UK and EU continue to negotiate the future of their relationship. Here is an overview of what could happen through future Brexit developments:
Changes to rights:
The UK government has promised to protect the rights of those living in the EU. However, the nature of those rights will depend on the negotiations between the two parties. While it looks unlikely that free movement between EU countries will remain, it is possible that citizens will still have the right to work, study, and reside in EU countries in the future.
Impact on economic stability:
As a direct result of Brexit, many Britons abroad are considering how their finances will be impacted. The uncertainty surrounding Brexit is a major source of worry to those who rely on the UK’s economy for their income. This is further complicated by currency fluctuations, the potential for rising rent prices, and the potential for job losses due to the changes in trade rules.
The Right to Vote:
Voting rights have been an issue for many British citizens living abroad. Currently, British citizens who have been registered to vote in the UK within the last 15 years are allowed to vote in all UK elections and referenda. However, due to the unique nature of Brexit, there have been calls for the voting age for expats to be lowered and for their votes to count in all national elections.
It is clear that Brexit has had a significant impact on the lives of Brits abroad. From feeling disconnected from their home country to the economic instability caused by the changes in trade rules, Brits abroad have experienced disruption in all aspects of their life due to Brexit. While the final shape Brexit takes is yet to be determined, there are steps British expats can take to ensure they are informed and connected to their home country, and that their rights are protected in the process.
