Bremain in Spain History
When the results of the EU referendum were revealed in the early hours of Friday 24 June 2016, Carrie Frais and Deborah Gray, the founders of Bremain in Spain, were in shock. Many other pro-Europeans in Spain and across Europe felt the same, as did the 48% of UK voters who had voted to remain in the EU.
Carrie and Deborah had been raising families and running their own businesses in Barcelona for over ten years and felt completely European. Upset at the prospect of losing freedoms and benefits they had assumed were theirs for life, and concerned about losing those freedoms for future generations, they decided to act.
The original concept was simple – to bring together like-minded people, build support and lobby MPs. The day after the referendum, the Bremain in Spain Facebook group was created as a place for fellow pro-Europeans, predominantly, but not exclusively, British nationals living in Spain, to share their concerns.
Three weeks later, Sue Wilson joined the group as an observer, then became increasingly involved. As Bremain grew beyond its founders’ expectations, and as their businesses and young families demanded more time, Sue was asked to take the helm.
In September 2016, Sue became Chair of Bremain in Spain, supported by a dedicated Council and a clear set of goals and objectives. She went on to lead the organisation for ten years, stepping down in September 2026 to become a Patron.
Campaigning for Citizens’ Rights
Bremain’s first major opportunity to present the concerns of British citizens living in Spain came in January 2017, when Sue was invited to give evidence to the Select Committee for Exiting the European Union.
This was the first of many opportunities to raise awareness of the challenges Brexit presented to British nationals living in Europe. Over the following years, Bremain engaged with politicians and policymakers in both London and Brussels, ensuring that the voices of British citizens living in the EU were heard.
In 2018, Sue was the lead claimant in a legal challenge against the then Prime Minister, Theresa May. The case, known as the UK in EU Challenge, challenged the triggering of Article 50 on the grounds that it failed to meet constitutional requirements.
Following the Electoral Commission’s findings of illegalities during the referendum campaign, the claimants argued that the referendum result, which was only advisory and not legally binding, should not be relied upon as the basis for withdrawal, as similar breaches in an election, which is legally binding, could have led to the result being overturned.
Although the legal challenge failed, the proceedings highlighted important questions about the referendum and the government’s decision to proceed with Brexit despite evidence of electoral wrongdoing.
From Stopping Brexit to Protecting Rights
Until the UK left the EU on 31 January 2020, Bremain’s primary objectives were to prevent Brexit and protect British citizens’ rights as EU citizens.
To further these aims, Bremain became one of the founding members of British in Europe and worked closely with other anti-Brexit organisations, including Britain for Europe.
Although the campaign to prevent Brexit ultimately failed, Bremain shifted its priorities to protect the rights of UK nationals living in the EU and EU citizens living in the UK.
This work involved close engagement with the British Embassy, the Foreign Office, UK politicians, Members of the European Parliament and parliamentary committees, including the House of Lords European Affairs Committee.
Bremain continued to campaign for the effective implementation of citizens’ rights protections, while highlighting the difficulties, uncertainties and loss of freedoms experienced by British nationals living across Europe.
Recognition of Bremain’s Work
In June 2021, Sue Wilson was named in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List and awarded the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (an MBE) for “Services to British Nationals in Spain and Europe”.
The honour recognised her tireless campaigning and commitment to protecting the rights of British citizens affected by Brexit.
Sue received her MBE from Prince William at Windsor Castle in November 2022 – a significant milestone in Bremain’s history and recognition of the importance of citizens’ rights campaigning.
Bremain Today and Looking Ahead
Since Brexit, Bremain has continued to evolve, working closely with other pro-European campaign organisations, particularly its partners at European Movement UK and Grass Roots for Europe, and collaborating on citizens’ rights campaigns with The New Europeans, Unlock Democracy, and others.
The organisation has expanded its reach across social media platforms, participated in pro-EU and Rejoin marches and rallies, delivered speeches, contributed articles and commentary, and produced a regular monthly newsletter to keep supporters informed and engaged.
Following Sue Wilson’s retirement as Chair in September 2026, Bremain entered a new chapter under Lisa Burton, who has served on the Council since 2019 and as Vice Chair since 2021. Sue continues to support the organisation as Patron.
While its leadership has changed, Bremain’s core principles and objectives remain the same.
Bremain continues to campaign for the rights of British citizens in Spain, across Europe, and in the UK, while working to limit Brexit’s damage and strengthen the UK’s relationship with its European neighbours.
Maintaining close ties, cooperation, and positive relations with the EU remains essential to address today’s Brexit challenges and pave the way for the UK’s eventual return to the European Union.
Bremain remains committed to restoring the rights and freedoms lost through Brexit and to a future in which the UK is once again a full member of the European Union.
Without our members, Bremain would not be here, and we are grateful to everyone who has supported us over the years and to those who continue to stand alongside us as we work towards that goal.