Future of ex-pats living in Europe ‘could be in jeopardy’ following Brexit bombshell
PM refuses to say whether estimated 1.5 Brits abroad would be able to stay when Britain eventually pulls out of the EU
DAVID CAMERON yesterday claimed the long-term future of Brits living in Europe may be in jeopardy following the Brexit bombshell vote.
The PM refused to say whether the estimated 1.5 million ex-pats on the Continent would be able to stay once Britain eventually pulls out of the EU.
Responding to demands for reassurance he would only say “there’s absolutely no change in their status” until Britain leaves.
He stopped short of saying what would happen after that, instead talking about a new Whitehall department set up to negotiate the withdrawal.
Top civil servant Oliver Robbins was yesterday appointed to run this unit, and help draw up a plan. The Home Office deputy top mandarin has previously worked as the PM’s Deputy National Security Adviser.
The PM had been responding to demands from Tory backbencher Sir Roger Gale.
He asked: “There are hundreds of thousands of expat United Kingdom citizens, living around Europe who did not vote in the Referendum.
“Many of them elderly and frail. They live on UK pensions and UK benefits. Will my right honourable friend (the PM) ensure that his successor defends their interest?”