newpower

https://www.theguardian.com/politics...ving-in-the-eu

bobd22

As soon as I saw it was from Corbyn who is simply stirring the pot trying to make political gain I stopped reading. We are where we are Mrs May needs to negotiate as best she can for best deals for uk,we must wait and see hers and the EU,s stance. Untill then it guesswork.

rspltd

Of course you could ask the question why the remaining EU countries have not guaranteed the right to stay of all the Brits in their country?? and we won't go into the hoops and rings that Brits have to go through to obtain residency or citizenship.

KieronF

I already have an Irish passport as an additional safeguard, however, this is all pure speculation. As we head towards Brexit the separate EU countries, Spain in particular, will want to secure a deal with the UK on residency, travel etc because the UK is essential to the Spanish economy. There was a trade surplus of £7billion in Spain's favour between the two nations last year - Spain will do nothing to damage that trading relationship and will do all it can to safeguard the interests of UK nationals living in Spain. Common sense will prevail and I have no qualms whatsoever about moving out to Menorca permanently in a few months time.

bobd22

I agree re Spain Kieron and no doubt most other EU countries. I also believe that the UK government are of a similar view re EU people living in UK. Problem is if Mrs May sets that in stone now before any negotiations which is what Corbyn wants. Then what if one EU country not so reliant on UK expats says no say Hungary or similar? Then UK would be commited but I believe under article 50 rules all remaining countries must agree or it doesn't happen. So that would leave UK expats in more limbo. Wise probably to negotiate both at same time before making a commitment. Of course EU could allow this important issue to be sorted outside of the article 50 negotiations and put all people's minds at rest, but they don't seem willing to do that.

Fred James

It is worth pointing out that anyone who has been legally resident in Spain for 5 years has a legal right under EU law to remain permanently.

Brexit does not affect this as Spain will still be governed by EU residency law.

chopera

Exactly. Her responsibilities are to her electorate, which includes British expats living overseas but not expats from other countries living in the UK. She's not going to grant them any extra rights until the same is done to British expats. The other EU countries can't do anything right now anyway because article 50 hasn't been triggered, so everyone will have to wait. Which might be unsettling for people, but constant scaremongering by the Guardian doesn't really help either.

chopera

Although a residents from non-EU countries, might we have to start renewing our permanent residency on a regular basis?

Fred James

Yes, that would not seem unreasonable. Non EU nationals are required to do that just like we had to do before the current procedure was introduced. At least we will get a nice shiny Residencia card at last!

The existing requirements to get permanent residence for non EU foreigners are basically the same as for EU citizens with a few extras like a certificate of having no criminal record. The rules on health cover and income are applied in both cases.

One would hope that existing holders of the green EU registration form would automatically qualify without any further requirements. If the UK withdrew the reciprocal health agreement for pensioners then private cover (or payment into the "Convenio Especial") might be required.

bobd22

That's very true Fred neither side I believe can renague on that. However that does not help either those resident under 5 years or those that have bought planning for retirement outside UK but not yet either moved permenant or retired yet etc. They are very much in limbo. It could well be the case that in the end some arrangement came where those currently covered by s1 retain free health care but those after a certain date don't? That would really disadvantage those that bought planning for future retirement (I am in that category), but I do fear that could be a possibility.
However main point I see and that UK media don't seem to get is as Chopra says why show our hand when the other side don't that doesn't make any sense whatsoever in any negotiations. Corbyn is just trying to make trouble for political gain and knows he is on borrowed time as leader of his party.

tom169

Because article 50 hasn't even been invoked yet!

bobd22

[QUOTE=Fred James;1217 If the UK withdrew the reciprocal health agreement for pensioners then private cover (or payment into the "Convenio Especial") might be required.[/QUOTE]

Yes that is true but private cover for anyone with pre existing conditions may well be a major issue. Also obviously going the private route without pr existing conditions cost goes up with age which could be prohibitive on those with modest pensions as could prescription charges. The Convenio Especial if retained by Spain is a better route. However even then issue is prescription charges which I believe are full cost say if one needed expensive drugs for a major condition. Certainly yes for routine or emergency one may feel more at ease but then especially as one ages fear getting some major illness .

bobd22

Tom very true but given that why should UK make such a committment? As I said the EU could allow this matter to be at least agreed in principle outside of article 50 negotiations but they won't

KieronF

The broader European political landscape is a minefield at the moment. Greece could leave the fiscal framework of the Euro and the forthcoming elections in France and Germany mean that we will not get a true picture of the political forces with whom the UK will be negotiating until the end of this year.


May is playing a prudent game of wait and see. Merkel will be resistant to anything we propose ahead of the German elections as she fights for her domestic future and the landscape could change forever if Le Pen wins power in France. Once those two major distractions are over I believe we shall start to see a more conciliatory and constructive Brexit take shape.

lgm1963

The EU is reluctant to concede any concessions to the UK lest this is seen as encouragement to a leaving member.

The EU is a busted flush.....doomed.