Laying claim to ‘the Rock’ – Tim Parfitt

Laying claim to ‘the Rock’ – Tim Parfitt

Apr 9, 2017 | Articles

It’s interesting how it has taken Gibraltar to shake things up a little bit. Since last night it’s been one of the top stories on BBC and Sky News, with the inevitable “rock in a hard place” headlines (ho-ho-ho). It is on the front page of most of today’s papers, here in Spain and in the UK: ‘Fear on the Rock: EU’s Gibraltar ambush’; ‘Future of Gibraltar now at stake in Brexit talks’; ‘Brussels takes tough stance on Brexit with Spain handed veto over Gibraltar’; ‘Rock bottom: May’s Brexit blunder sparks Spanish land grab’. The worst gloat, however, comes from Spain’s ABC newspaper: ‘The triumph of Spain’s position on Gibraltar irritates the United Kingdom’. Oh, and of course there’s Boris-the-buffoon already bellowing about his ‘implacable and ‘rock-like’ support for Gibraltar. That must really placate Gibraltar’s Chief Minister, the Hon Fabian Picardo QC MP, who’s been on every radio and TV news programme for the past 24 hours, proudly sitting in front of a photo of Her Majesty in his Union Jack adorned office. Boris will save and protect you, Mr.Picardo. Good old Boris.

Now, look, I know that Gibraltar is officially a ‘British Overseas Territory, ceded to Great Britain ‘in perpetuity’ under the Treaty of Utrecht in 1713 – and so, I mean, it really is British (and the 30,000 Gibraltarians have repeatedly voted to remain linked to Britain). But what about the San Miguel Bowls Club on the Orihuela coast in Alicante, adjacent to ‘Cheers Bar’ in the Urbanization of Eagles Nest? Only a couple of weeks ago The Guardian filmed there because it was ‘effectively a little Britain’ … ‘effectively a British enclave’ … and they were all suffering the ‘Costa Brexit’. What will happen to that British bowls club? Will Spain want to reclaim that, too?

Before I get loads of Brexiteer comments telling me that Gibraltar is not the San Miguel Bowls Club … er, I know. I’m trying to be a little ironic. But the fact that Prime Minister May forgot to mention Gibraltar in her Article 50 letter, described by many as an ‘astounding error’, is simply par for the course from now on, if you ask me. The whole Brexit ‘thing’ is a chaotic shambles and it’s going to get worse and worse. There is no plan. I repeat: There Is No Plan. There’s no plan for the rights of the 300,000 registered Brits living and working in Spain, nor for the rights of the 200,000 Spanish in the UK. The ‘rock bottom’ and ‘rock in a hard place’ Gibraltar Rock is just the tip of the iceberg.

Sitting here in Barcelona, however, I have one thing very, very clear. Spain, and in particular Mr.Rajoy, should focus on trying some ‘dialogue’ with Catalonia instead of laying claim to Gibraltar.

Read this and other articles from Tim Parfitt – Letters from Barcelona

Bremain in the News

Bremain in the News

Apr 8, 2017 | News

Bremain in Spain coverage in the media is ever growing. You can see some of the latest press appearances below.

 

In the Press

 

8 April 2017
La voz en España de los expatriados británicos
Adele Theresa Price está indignada. Mucho. Dolida y enfadada. No entiende qué está pasando en su Inglaterra natal y, menos aún, qué les ha ocurrido a los británicos, un pueblo que siempre ha destacado por la “diversidad”, señala.
La Vanguardia
http://www.lavanguardia.com/gente/20170408/421532527316/adele-theresa-price-bremain-in-spain-brexit-derechos-residentes.html

 

31 March 2017
Brits in Spain await Brexit talks outcome
The UK officially triggered Article 50 on Wednesday, meaning that proceedings have started for the UK to leave the EU, rather ironically for some, on 1 April 2019.
Sur in English
http://www.surinenglish.com/national/201703/31/brits-spain-await-brexit-20170331092944-v.html

 

31 March 2017
Latest news from Bremain in Spain
DURING a conversation with Sue Wilson the chair of pressure group Bremain in Spain, she told Euro Weekly News that she had been very pleased with the fact that more than 100,000 people had taken the trouble to attend the Unite for Europe march.
Euro Weekly News
https://www.euroweeklynews.com/3.0.15/news/on-euro-weekly-news/spain-news-in-english/144001-latest-news-from-bremain-in-spain#

 

28 March 2017
Liberal Democrats Brussels & Europe
It’s been a bittersweet week. And none of us are looking forward to tomorrow.
I’ve just come back from London where I took part in one of the many pan European marches to celebrate the EU’s 60th birthday.
Liberal Democrats News
http://us13.campaign-archive2.com/?u=2f944a84982031e3938357c5f&id=bf9beb6a64&e=c3e4cc6096

 

26 March 2017
Españolizados por el ‘Brexit’
Los británicos toman las calles de Londres y Madrid para reclamar su europeidad. Los que piden un pasaporte de aquí se multiplican por siete. «Ya no siento orgullo inglés».
Las Provincias
http://www.lasprovincias.es/sociedad/201703/25/espanolizados-brexit-20170325000914-v.html

 

26 March 2017
100,000 join anti-Brexit march
AN ESTIMATED 100,000 people including Britons from France marched against Brexit in the London sunshine yesterday.
The Connexion
https://www.connexionfrance.com/French-news/Brexit/100-000-join-anti-Brexit-march

 

25 March 2017
Los que cobren pensión baja tendrán que regresar
John Muffet, británico que vive en granada
Las Provincias
http://www.lasprovincias.es/sociedad/201703/25/cobren-pension-baja-tendran-20170325000835-v.html

 

25 March 2017
No dedico ni cinco minutos a pensar en volver
James Maconachie, británico que vive en Teruel
Las Provincias
http://www.lasprovincias.es/sociedad/201703/25/dedico-cinco-minutos-pensar-20170325000835-v.html

 

25 March 2017
El río europeo desborda Londres
Los españoles en el Reino Unido y los expatriados británicos en España, los gibraltareños y los escoceses, los fans del Liverpool y los paisanos de Shakespeare en Stratford-upon-Avon… Todos ellos hicieron piña de la mayor manifestación pro-europea desde el Brexit: un incesante río azul, salpicado con Union Jacks y demás banderas de la UE, recorriendo el largo trecho entre Hyde Park y la plaza del Parlamento, recuperada ya del espanto.
El Mundo
http://www.elmundo.es/internacional/2017/03/25/58d69b70468aeb93238b466e.html

 

21 March 2017
Los expatriados británicos en España hacen de tripas corazón por el Brexit
El número de británicos que ha pasado el test de nacionalidad española, uno de los varios requisitos para obtener la nacionalidad, ha aumentado de forma espectacular desde el referéndum británico del pasado junio.
A Financial Times article published in Expansion
http://www.expansion.com/economia/politica/2017/03/21/58d01cfbe5fdea46668b4592.html

 

20 March 2017
Spanish Brexit negotiator suggests British expats should keep their EU rights
Madrid is seeking a Brexit deal that will allow British expatriates to remain in Spain with full access to their EU benefits.
Jorge Toledo, the Spanish secretary for the EU and the chairman of the working group on Brexit, indicated that his government would “in principle” support the agreement with the UK, so that Britons living in Spain continue to enjoy their EU rights.
RT
https://www.rt.com/uk/381466-spain-brexit-eu-expats/

 

20 March 2017
Expat benefits should stay, says Spain
Spain wants a Brexit deal that allows British expatriates to remain on the Costas with their benefits intact, including access to healthcare.
The Times
http://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/expat-benefits-should-stay-says-spain-hndfxnds3
(Subscription Only)

 

17 March 2017
Uncertainty for many as Brexit bill gets royal assent
Pro-remain groups are to participate in the ‘Unite for Europe’ march on 25 March to highlight the plight of EU citizens in UK and Britons abroad
Sur in English
http://www.surinenglish.com/national/201703/17/uncertainty-many-brexit-bill-20170317091212-v.html

 

17 March
Spain’s UK expats face Brexit Citizenship Dilemma
British passport holders consider switching because Madrid forbids dual nationality.
Financial Times
https://www.ft.com/content/172d4660-0973-11e7-ac5a-903b21361b43
(Subscription Only)

 

15 March 2017
Pensioner campaigners protest Britain’s position on Brexit
CAMPAIGN groups championing the rights of British pensioners living in the EU fear that Brexit may force many hundreds of thousands to return to the UK, placing enormous strain on the UK’s already overburdened health and social care services.
Euro Weekly
https://www.euroweeklynews.com/3.0.15/news/on-euro-weekly-news/spain-news-in-english/143796-pensioner-campaigners-protest-britain%E2%80%99s-position-on-brexit

 

13 March 2017
As Brexit nears, a look at how 5 people are coping
Brexit. It’s coming, but no one knows what form it will take. Prime Minister Theresa May is expected to fire the starting pistols this month, leading to at least two years of complex negotiations between Britain and 27 other European Union nations with competing interests.
Five people — three in Britain, two in continental Europe — tell how they are coping with the uncertainty
AP Associated Press
http://bigstory.ap.org/article/55406eea2af640acb419774af772cc8d/brexit-nears-look-how-5-people-are-coping

 

12 March 2017
Expatriados, los nuevos indignados británicos
Los británicos en suelo europeo -que superan el millón-reclaman al gobierno de Theresa May que proteja su libertad de movimiento y su derecho a la atención sanitaria, entre otros
El Mundo
http://www.elmundo.es/internacional/2017/03/12/58c2a1bde2704ef4198b4616.html

 

16 February 2017
Expat campaign group Bremain In Spain demands EU passports for Brits post-Brexit
The group has backed the Choose Freedom Campaign, which wants Brussels to protect expats’ rights once the UK exits the EU.
The Olive Press
http://www.theolivepress.es/spain-news/2017/02/14/expat-campaign-group-bremain-spain-demands-eu-passports-brits-post-brexit/

 

14 February 2017
‘Choose Freedom’: EU passport campaign launched across Europe
Imagine a post-Brexit scenario whereby Brits will be issued with EU passports to secure the right to freedom of movement across the 27 member states of the European Union.
The Local es
https://www.thelocal.es/20170214/brexit-choose-freedom-eu-passport-campaign-launched-across-europe

 

13 February 2017
Initiative launched calling for UK citizens to be issued with EU passports after Brexit
If adopted the proposal would help UK citizens keep freedom of movements
The European Commission is being asked to consider issuing EU passports to British people in danger of losing their right to free movement after Brexit.
Independent
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/brexit-eu-citizenship-keep-choose-freedom-move-abroad-a7578061.html

 

13 February 2017
Brits in Spain fear post-Brexit backlash and want their voices heard
British people who have made Spain their home are fearful that they will suffer a post-Brexit backlash over the UK government’s treatment of foreigners , and are anxious to make their voice heard.
The Local es
https://www.thelocal.es/20170213/brits-in-spain-fear-post-brexit-backlash

 

Sixteen Million Rising Pro-EU Radio

Sixteen Million Rising Pro-EU Radio

Apr 1, 2017 | Radio, Podcasts & TV

Sixteen Million Rising is the UK’s first, grassroots, Pro-European Radio Show. It is made entirely by cross party activists and available free for everyone to listen to each month, only on Mixcloud. You’ll find everything you need to know in order to contribute original material and suggest songs for the show here on the Sixteen Million Rising website

You can listen to the episodes below.

Episode 7 – April 2017

Wu Tung Clan, Gangstarr, Twista Feat. Faith Evans, Karen Watling, Matt Bowdidge & Nikki Minaj and more…..

Episode 6 – March 2017

John Farnham, Pet Shop Boys, Belinda Carlisle, Tears For Fears, Whitney Houston and more…..

Episode 5 – February 2017

Rolling Stones, Bonnie Tyler, Queen & David Bowie, Hazel O’Connor, The The and more….

Episode 4 – January 2017

Beethoven, Rachmaninoff, Verdi, Tchiakovsky, Respighi and more…..

Episode 3 – December 2016

Ich + Ich, Adel Tawil, Toto Cutugno, Molotov, Jacques Brel and more….

Episode 2 – November 2016

Jump, Little Children, Jack Savoretti, Graham Paul Kendrick, Porter Robinson, Aly & Fila and more…..

Episode 1 – October 2016

Aphex Twin, John & Olivia, Underworld, Cast of Hair, Edward Shearmur and more…..

Pilot Show – September 2016

John Martin, Simon Patteron, Matt Bowdidge, Gareth Emery, Gavin DeGraw and more….

Bremain at Unite for Europe march – 25th March 2017

Bremain at Unite for Europe march – 25th March 2017

Mar 25, 2017 | Campaigns & Events, News

Regular updates throughout the day of the Unite for Europe March – London.

Follow Bremain in Spain along the route in our gallery below.

The Unite for Europe March
Nick Clegg
Unite for Europe

The full video with speeches, courtesy of Ruptly. If you want to see Sue Wilson please scroll to 4:43!

Bremain in Spain makes their own mark!

Bremain in Spain Data Privacy Policy

May 23, 2018
Bremain in Spain marching for our rights!

Bremain in Spain marching for our rights!

March 25, 2017
Bremain wearing their scarves

Bremain wearing their scarves

March 25, 2017
Designed by Alba Wolf for Bremain

Designed by Alba Wolf for Bremain

March 25, 2017
Bremain Hat by Barbara Leonard

Bremain Hat by Barbara Leonard

March 25, 2017
Bremain Banner by Alba Wolf

Bremain Banner by Alba Wolf

March 25, 2017

Bremain march in Unity and Peace

Bremain march in Unity and Peace

Mar 25, 2017 | Campaigns & Events

As the march gets fully underway, can we take a moment together with those there, in remembering all affected by the events that sadly occurred at Westminster on Wednesday. One minute’s silence was held at the start of the march.

Sue Wilson of Bremain in Spain says: “We are deeply saddened by the attacks on Wednesday and our thoughts are with the families and friends of those who lost their lives or were injured. We must not allow ourselves to be intimidated by acts of terrorism. This is a great opportunity to stand together for the values we believe in, collectively.”

Sue will be addressing the crowds attending the march about the rights of British citizens in Europe: she is the only speaker to cover this topic. She will be speaking alongside Tim Farron, Nick Clegg, David Lammy, Green co-leader Jonathan Bartley and Jolyon Maugham. The speeches will take place in Parliament Square from 1-3pm. Thanks also to the police for allowing the march to go ahead at this stressful time.