The Spanish government has approved a series of unilateral contingency measures to protect the rights of Britons in Spain in the event of a no deal Brexit.
The measures set out in a royal decree to be presented to parliament are designed to minimise disruption to citizens in the event the UK leaves the EU without a deal and covers transport, customs and driving licences, employment, social security, healthcare and education. The move is designed to preserve the interests of citizens, be they Spanish or British, who exercised their right to freedom of movement before the withdrawal date and to protect Spain’s normal trade flows and economic interests.
The Spanish government estimates that at least 300,000 Britons are officially registered as resident in Spain, and more than 150,000 Spanish nationals are living in the UK. Speaking following a cabinet meeting on Friday, the foreign minister, Josep Borrell, noted that although the measures were unilaterally made, he hoped the UK would reciprocate what he called an “extremely generous” plan.
Special consideration is also being given to help the 9,000 people who cross into Gibraltar from Spain for work on a daily basis as Gibraltar’s residents will be considered citizens of a third country after Brexit. The Spanish government’s aim is to preserve normal life as far as practicable.
