Britons could be forced to leave Spain if UK leaves EU

Brexit

Britons could be forced to leave Spain if UK leaves EU

Around 1.3 million British citizens live in other EU countries. But a Leave vote could put their future in doubt, especially for those living in Spain.

CCTV’s Dan Williams explains why from the town of Benalmadena.
Follow Dan Williams on Twitter @Danielclearcut

A slice of Britain bathed in the sunshine of Spain’s Costa del Sol — the town of Benalmadena has attracted British holidaymakers for decades. Many of Spain’s 320,000 British residents live along this stretch of coastline. But that may soon change if the U.K. votes to leave the EU and the uncertainty has many British business owners here worried.

Radio Tre is an English language radio station based in Costa del Sol. For many of the listeners, there is only topic of discussion. “I have a live radio program, a current affairs program. It has been the dominant subject for the Brits living out here. People are very worried. People want to know what’s going on and what’s going to happen to them.” Giles Brown, Radio Tre DJ, said.

Christine Rowlands and her husband have lived in Spain for about 27 years. Even if they are legally allowed to stay in the country, there are other factors that could force them to leave.

“One of the issues obviously is health. And our EU card because if we travel to Britain, are we still going to be able to have reciprocal health care. How will health care in Spain, which is excellent I hasten to add, effect residents? Obviously pensions are they going to continue to be index linked. Indeed, are we going to get pensions as British citizens,” she said.

Chris Eade is a retired serviceman who once owned an apartment in the city. He has little sympathy for Brits still living in Spain.

“I understand their concerns. But what I can’t agree with is the fact they want all the perks and benefits of living in Spain, but they also want the safety net of the United Kingdom if things aren’t going quite their way. Really their interests are self-interests and not the sovereignty of Great Britain,” Eade said.

For now, Brits here can continue to enjoy a pint and a full English breakfast. But the tide could soon be about to change.


Pro- and anti-EU campaigns make pitches ahead of Brexit vote

With around 36 hours to go before voting, Britain’s referendum on leaving the European Union is reaching a climax. Among the latest supporters for remaining in the EU are the legendary investor George Soros and former England football captain David Beckham.

CCTV’s Richard Bestic reports from London.
Follow Michal Bardavid on Twitter @michalbardavid

With campaigning in the final stretch, opinion polls are running neck and neck, giving no clues as how the result may go.

Prime Minister David Cameron was on the steps of his official residence at 10 Downing Street, appealing to older voters warning of the economic risks of leaving.

“We’ll be stronger, we’ll be safer and better off inside Europe. To put it as clearly as I can, our economic security is paramount. It is stronger if we stay, if we leave we put it at risk” Cameron said.

Vote for your future in Europe – that’s the message they’re putting across here and certainly all the economic arguments from bodies around the world, would seem to suggest that Britain would be better off inside the EU.

As was demonstrated in the final televised campaign of the referendum, controlling borders and taking back national sovereignty is equally important to many.

Reaction among many in the audience of 6,000 was testament, perhaps, to the strength of feeling in Britain over the manner in which the European Union is being run.

A message that will be heard across the continent’s half a billion people and, in particular, in Brussels.


Zoe Thorogood on the consequences of Brexit

For more about the Brexit’s impact on the future EU membership, CCTV America’s Asieh Namdar spoke to Zoe Thorogood, former press secretary of Prime Minister David Cameron.


Economist Kallum Pickering discusses how UK will renegotiate its trade deals

To take a deeper look at what impact a Brexit could have on the U.K.’s trade relationships, CCTV America’s Elaine Reyes spoke to Kallum Pickering, the Senior U.K. Economist of Berenberg.