News Archives - Page 2 of 38 - Bremain in Spain

‘Let Us Vote’ Campaign

May 11, 2019 | Campaigns & Events, News

On April 05 2019, the ‘Let Us Vote’ campaign was launched with support from several MPs, Peers, citizens rights groups and the film director Mike Leigh.

‘Let Us Vote’ is a campaign to allow all UK residents, and all UK citizens living abroad, to vote in general elections and referendums.

In General Elections and in referendums such as the 2016 EU referendum, UK residents from countries outside of the Commonwealth and Ireland cannot vote. Neither can UK citizens living abroad for more than 15 years.

All together, up to 10 million people are denied a vote by the current rules: 7 million UK residents and 3 million UK citizens abroad.

You can follow the campaign, write to your MP and sign the petition here

The campaign has already attracted quite a bit of media attention and you can read more by clicking the links below:

Huffington Post

The Independent

The Independent also includes an article by Jane Golding – Chair of British in Europe, who explains the need for electoral reform.

Update 11 May 2019

The ‘Let Us Vote’ campaign launch was on Wednesday 8th May in the Palace of Westminster. Bremain Chair, Sue Wilson, was fortunate to be in London to attend and here is her update:

‘The event was hosted by Another Europe is possible, British in Europe and the 3Million, who are jointly responsible for the project. The campaign aim is to restore voting rights to 10 million people who are disenfranchised & unable to vote – both Brits abroad & foreign-born citizens resident in the UK.

The panel was made up of representatives of the groups involved, but also Claude Moraes (Labour MEP), Alberto Costa (Conservative MP) and Lloyd Russell-Moyle (Labour MP).

The passion and commitment from all those involved in the campaign was a joy to behold, and the audience were very engaged, asking lots of questions. There was also an opportunity to talk to the panel on a 1-2-1 basis afterwards and to network with many dedicated campaigners.

Whilst nobody expects that the campaign will be easy, or quick, with the commitment and passion shown, we all came away very positive about the chances of success. We will keep you posted about future developments as and when they happen.’

Bremain in Action! – European Parliamentary Elections 2019

May 6, 2019 | Campaigns & Events, News

Let’s make our votes count and send a message that we want
to Remain in the European Union
and #StopBrexit

We need the support of all of our members and we have brought together links to important information about the European Parliamentary Elections to enable you to easily identify a Pro-Remain party that best suits you. Please don’t forget to share far and wide with family and friends – just copy and paste the link into your Facebook timeline or share it on Twitter.

Best for Britain Get Voting

‘We’ve conducted the largest pre-election poll in England, Wales & Scotland’.
Enter your postcode to view results for your region and see how you can take votes from Hard Brexit parties

HERE

When you vote in the European Parliamentary Elections you vote for a party not a person.

The Peoples Vote Test site allows you to discover which parties support a People’s Vote, are are Pro-Remain and standing in your region.

Check out the People’s Vote Test site
HERE

Join Remain Voter

‘Providing Remain Voters with clear, independent advice on how to maximise the impact of their vote in the European Election on 23 May so together we secure Remain parties the highest number of overall seats.’

Join HERE

thistimeimvoting.eu – not just asking you to vote, we’re also asking you to help to persuade others to vote too. Are you ready to commit a few hours? Sign up HERE

Get involved in your area
Personal challenges for you
Fun ideas for events
Unlock exclusive rewards

How do EU Elections Work in the UK?

In this video we discuss how European Parliamentary Elections work in the UK. The system is really quite different to the standard first past the post system, used in almost all other UK elections.

Which main Pro-Remain parties are fielding candidates in the UK?

European elections 2019: Full list of UK MEP candidates

Memes – SEE THE FULL COLLECTION HERE

Download and Share

IMPORTANT Related Pages

European Elections 2019

An Introduction to EU Parliament Elections

The FAQs

Bremain in Action!

Your Vote Matters

Voting by Proxy

Voting in Spain

Election MEMES Collection

Sue Wilson Writes: Why Brits in Spain should care about the EU elections

May 6, 2019 | Articles, News, Sue Wilson Writes

Before last week’s local elections in England and Northern Ireland, the Conservatives were preparing themselves for a big defeat. Most forecasts suggested a loss of around 800 seats, with the gloomiest predictions suggesting 1,000.

When the final scores were known, the humiliating loss of Conservative seats totalled 1,334, with the control of 45 councils lost. Prime Minister, Theresa May, responded by saying that the government realised the local elections were “going to be particularly challenging” and that Brexit was “an added dimension”.

Traditionally, mid-term local elections are an occasion when the public expresses some dissatisfaction with the incumbent government. At such times, you would expect the opposition party to do well at the government’s expense. However, despite the government’s terrible performance, the Labour party did not capitalise – rather than gain seats as expected, it lost control of five councils and 82 council seats.

The big winners were the Liberal Democrats, gaining 703 seats, and the Green Party, gaining 194. Despite the public voting in significant numbers to reject the main parties in favour of anti-Brexit parties, both Theresa May and Jeremy Corbyn seem determined to plough on with Brexit regardless.

Having witnessed the most humiliating government defeat in a quarter of a century, Theresa May clearly remains deaf to the voices of the British public and the many calls for her resignation. If the lost Tory votes had been gained by pro-Brexit candidates, and not anti-Brexit parties, May would be justified in claiming that the public wants the government “to get on and sort Brexit out”. However, this was far from the reality.

Jeremy Corbyn’s interpretation of events was also surprising, given the prevailing results. He claimed the results were “very, very clear” and that “a deal has to be done”.

Cross-party talks continue between Labour and the Conservatives to seek agreement on the Brexit deal. Last week, before the election results were known, May imposed a deadline – the middle of this week – on the cross-party negotiations. Despite reports that the talks are “positive and productive”, both sides accuse the other of unwillingness to compromise, so it’s difficult to see how a breakthrough could be made anytime soon.

At least the government has dropped its pretense that the UK’s participation in the European Elections can be avoided. However, May is still hopeful of striking a deal by the end of June, to prevent British MEPs taking their seats in the new European parliament on 2 July. It’s questionable what could be agreed by the end of June that couldn’t be agreed by the end of April or May.

The local election results may reflect the current voting preferences of the British public, but only provide a partial view. The elections only covered councils in certain parts of the UK and excluded some Remain strongholds, such as London and Scotland. Had those areas been involved, the results would probably be even more pro-European.

Another significant factor was the limited selection of parties available – especially the absence of Nigel Farage’s Brexit Party, which is currently topping the polls in the contest for Europe. The new Change.UK party (formerly the Independent Group) is also fielding many MEP candidates, but did not participate in the local elections.

Brits in Spain and throughout the UK couldn’t participate in the local elections but we can have our say on 23 May in the European elections. That is, those of us fortunate enough to retain our voting rights in the UK. While many have elected to use their vote here in Spain, others – me included – have chosen to vote in the UK.

If you’re eligible to vote, please ensure that you’re registered to do so. The deadline for registering online is close of business on Tuesday May 7th. CLICK HERE TO REGISTER:

Whether you voted to Leave or Remain, and whether you still feel the same way, don’t waste our limited opportunities to have a voice and a say. Brexit is an unmitigated disaster and we’re being poorly served by our government, which is deaf and blind to public sentiment on the biggest issue of our time.

Let’s ensure a good turnout at the European elections in the hope that Theresa May finally starts listening to the prevailing ‘will of the people’. Failing that, May won’t be around much longer. We can only hope that her replacement will have better hearing and eyesight.

Sue Wilson article from the The Local

Sue Wilson Writes: ‘Election result brings welcome reassurance for Brits living in Spain’

Apr 30, 2019 | Articles, News, Sue Wilson Writes

Everywhere we go at present, there’s talk of an election. Whether it’s the Spanish general election, local elections, or the European elections, it’s hardly surprising that some of us are suffering from election fatigue, or we’re confused about the implications of the potential election results.

The result of the Spanish election on Sunday brought some welcome reassurance for Brits living in Spain, as the Spanish public was galvanised into voting both for and against the far-right. Despite being the third election in four years, turnout reached up to 75 percent. Although the Vox party made gains, its success didn’t reach the predicted level and was countered by an increase in the numbers of seats for the left and the government. The biggest loser was the centre-right PP, whose vote share collapsed – a warning, perhaps, to Theresa May’s government.

With the expectation that a coalition government can be formed, I think many Brits will sleep better at night with the prospect of stability and continuity in Spanish government. The increase in seats for PSOE provided additional reassurances that promises already made to the British residents would be honoured.

While British citizens in Spain were concerned about the impact of Spanish politics on our future, many are more concerned with events in the UK. Although we cannot participate in the UK local elections, many of us will be watching closely to see if predictions are correct – i.e. that the Conservatives and, perhaps, Labour will do badly.

The UK local elections next weekend, and the forthcoming European elections, will both serve to indicate how the British public feels – i.e. what is the now the ‘will of the people’? While incumbent governments traditionally do badly in mid-term local elections, the level of protest could be even greater than would normally be expected. The results will be a barometer of the nation’s feelings towards the government and, especially, towards Brexit. If, as expected, anti-Brexit parties such as the Liberal Democrats do well, the effect could be significant, making it increasingly difficult for the government to claim any kind of mandate for trying to further its Brexit course of action.

If the local elections could influence government strategy re Brexit, then the European elections could be more significant. While the Prime Minister still insists that Britain won’t participate, it’s almost impossible to see a scenario where this can be avoided. The only way to halt the process is for May’s rather unpopular Brexit deal to be agreed by parliament. With cross-party talks going nowhere at present, that outcome seems highly unlikely.

Nigel Farage’s Brexit Party hit the ground running with the launch of its EU election campaign ahead of the competition. Most pundits think it will do well, taking European Parliament seats from UKIP and the Conservatives. Labour seats are also at risk, unless its manifesto clearly states strong support for a #PeoplesVote and a Remain and Reform platform.

The turnout in the UK for voting in European elections has always been low. As with everything else related to Europe, the UK has never been active in promoting the benefits or the responsibilities of EU membership. Had we been more involved in the past, perhaps we wouldn’t be where we are today.

I personally take some of that blame, as I haven’t previously participated in European elections. I intend to correct that mistake on May 23rd, when I will vote for a pro-EU, anti-Brexit party. I hope that those of you who value our EU citizenship, and all the rights and benefits associated with it, will join me in voting, if they can, and will encourage friends, family, colleagues and neighbours to do the same.

On May 23rd, the UK has an opportunity to rally against the far-right, to show that the British people are tolerant, inclusive and pro-European. The Spanish have demonstrated that, by turning out in large numbers, the divisive effect of right-wing extremism can be limited. We must take every opportunity to do the same – the future of the UK and Europe depends on it.

See Sue’s article in The Local

Sue Wilson Writes: Brexit ‘flextension’ allows Brits in Spain to make themselves official

Apr 18, 2019 | Articles, News

On Friday April 12th, another supposed Brexit Day came and went, as British MPs packed their bags for the Easter recess. Theresa May told parliament that the Easter break was an opportunity for MPs to recharge their batteries and to consider their “national duty” to resolve the Brexit crisis.

The Prime Minister made a statement to parliament on Thursday, having accepted a flexible extension to the Brexit deadline from the European Council in the early hours of that day. May’s preference was to leave the EU as soon as possible and, ideally, before the European elections. For that to happen, however, May would need to gain parliamentary approval for her ‘deal’, which seems unlikely considering it has failed to gain support three times already. In fact, now there is extra time to explore alternatives, support for the Withdrawal Agreement seems to be declining rather than building.

The new deadline for leaving the EU, unless there’s a dramatic change in the fortunes of May’s deal, is now October 31, 2019. Although six months might seem like a long time, it’s only 28 weeks, and MPs will be on holiday for 16 of those! It’s just as well that a further six-month extension has already been mooted by the European Council, should it prove necessary. As the Brexit deadline extends, so have May’s plans to stay on as Prime Minister, determined as she is to deliver Brexit regardless of the circumstances.

The change in deadline has reassured British citizens in the UK and EU alike. Airlines and travel companies are seeing an upturn in bookings to European holiday destinations, as travellers once again make plans for their summer holidays on the continent. With the fear of visa and international driving licence applications removed for travellers, those considering a staycation in the UK have seemingly reverted to plan A – a holiday in the sun in Europe. Business owners and local authorities in tourist destinations in Spain, France and other EU countries will also be breathing a sigh of relief at this stay of execution.

For Brits in Spain, the extension allows people more time to make themselves official and get all their paperwork in order. Whether they need to apply for the residency they’ve been meaning to organise for ages, or to obtain a Spanish driving licence, the immediate pressure and worry have been temporarily lifted. No doubt, the numerous regional authorities that are struggling to cope with the demand for appointments will also be grateful for the leeway.

Apart from the practical implications of delaying Brexit, the sheer fact it has again been postponed makes it less likely to happen. The campaign for a confirmatory referendum, or a People’s Vote, has gained considerable ground with the British public and is winning more arguments daily in Westminster. It looks increasingly like a People’s Vote is the only logical and democratic way out of the current impasse and, perhaps, the only alternative that stands any chance of gaining a majority in the House of Commons. While May and the government are still resisting putting the question back to the people, it may eventually be the price they must pay to try to pass May’s deal through parliament.

With the Tory party doing badly in the latest polls, the government is understandably concerned about its prospects in the forthcoming UK local elections on May 2, and the EU elections on May 23-26. Many disenfranchised voters – including EU citizens in the UK and British citizens in the EU – will have the opportunity to vote for (or more likely against) the government in one or both events.

The EU elections are considered a barometer of public opinion and are being regarded by pro-EU parties as a ‘soft referendum’. With the Conservative party at risk of losing seats to the left and the right, it is right to be concerned.

So, despite Brexit fatigue and a desire by many people to see an end to Brexit, the ‘flextension’ should be regarded as welcome news. No matter to which side of the Brexit debate you belong, we have an opportunity to take stock, express our opinions, and take practical steps to secure our own futures.

In the meantime, join MPs in taking a few welcome days off and have a Happy Easter. Remember, it’s only 28 weeks until non-Brexit Day Mark III!

Full Article from The Local

“Compte enrere cap al Brexit”, a “30 minuts”

Apr 18, 2019 | Articles, News

L’últim mes, els ciutadans europeus que viuen al Regne Unit o els britànics que viuen a Europa han assistit a la confusió política entorn del Brexit entre la perplexitat i la incertesa. Són els que no van poder votar en el referèndum i, en canvi, són els més afectats

Durant l’últim mes, el “30 minuts” ha viscut al costat d’algunes d’aquestes persones el camí embrollat cap a un Brexit indefinit. Catalans que van emigrar fa anys i se sentien part de la societat britànica. Amb l’infermer Joan Pons, ensenyem com el sistema de salut britànic depèn del personal del continent i, a través d’això, coneixem també els arguments dels habitants de Great Yarmouth, una de les poblacions que més va votar Brexit. A la City de Londres, la professional de les finances Ariadna Masó ens explica com el caos polític està condicionant les inversions. I amb el Jordi Llinares, un càrrec de l’Agència Europea del Medicament, som conscients de la primera gran conseqüència del Brexit: el trasllat de les oficines de l’agència a Amsterdam.

També anem a la costa d’Alacant, on trobem una colònia de pensionistes britànics que viuen la seva jubilació al sol. Seguim grups d’expatriats, enèrgics opositors a la sortida del seu país de la Unió Europea. I ens preguntem com està afectant la situació les empreses catalanes que exporten al Regne Unit, a través del president de la Cambra de Comerç Britànica, Christopher Dottie:

Yo creo que hay poca información sobre los motivos del voto. Yo creo que se ha comunicado como “Estos ingleses han hecho algo tonto y luego se darán cuenta” donde la realidad es que somos británicos y estamos perfectamente capacitados para pasar por el infierno 50 años en vez de tener la vergüenza de decir: “Lo siento, me he equivocado” .

Article from 30 minutes website

‘Let Us Vote’ Campaign

Bremain in Action! – European Parliamentary Elections 2019