Crisis for the Expatriate in Europe?
Why has UKIP been so successful?
Probably because in Britain,
the public is disenchanted by their experiences with the traditional
politicians. [See also below **Nigel
Farage**]
Expatriates haven’t had a chance
to express an opinion. Many can’t vote! Most of the rest do not bother. Amongst
them it would seem ‘apathy’ rules. The Government’s
Electoral Commission has made efforts to get to them to register to vote. Petitions originating in Spain
and France to
awaken a political consciousness have become damp squibs. As a leading example, a petition begun
by the editor of a French English
language newspaper (the Connexion) has attracted
only just over 3400 signatures – It needs tens of thousands of signatures. Why
do expats not claim the right to vote!
It is in their interest to do so.
There are over 60,000 British
pensioners living in France
[106,000 in Spain;
and another 140,000 throughout Europe excluding Ireland]
-these groups have the most to lose if Farage’s UKIP gains ascendancy in Britain. Why have not these 300,000 signed these
petitions? Is it that they are ignorant of the situation? By doing so they could gain power to protect
their pensions, investments, health care costs and other aspects of their
lives. But it seems they cannot be
bothered; they are apathetic and ‘cannot see the point’ in voting for a
politician in the UK. Quite probably few also have bothered to vote
for the MEP lists for the Euro-Parliament.
You can see a reason for this
appalling apathy. As things are, there
is only a handful of British politicians who show the slightest interest at all
in the welfare of Britons abroad. Those few of us who have written to MPs get
answers saying ‘The government has decided this or that.’ They never show a willingness to debate, to
listen. It is surely necessary that they
are forced to take an interest.
Turning attention to the younger
generation of expatriates, remember also,– they can only live in the EU by
agreement with the EU. For these reasons (and more), some representatives for
expatriates are necessary at Westminster.
If the Farage bandwagon continues
to its desired end the situation could be most uncomfortable for British people
living in other Countries of the EU. A
referendum flying on the words of Nigel Farage could spell disaster for them
If the expatriates fail to have
political protection, then they are not masters of their lives. If the EU fails
for us, we have no defence.
The situation is dangerous.
**Farage and cultural change.**
Nigel Farage is undoubtedly
exuberant and is quite a positive and likeable chap. He seems to be listening to the mood of the
people – in Britain. That mood, partly arising from political
disenchantment would appear also to arise from discomfort at cultural change in
Britain brought
about by immigration. But a similar argument can operate in reverse in France
and parts of Spain.
In France,
am I odd in feeling uncomfortable when one hears a large number of English
voices in a small town? Is it possible that some French people could
also be uncomfortable with this cultural change? Is this also true in Spain?
Cyprus?
The danger for British
Citizens in Farage’s desire to exit the EU?
British Citizens would cease to
be European Citizens! That is truly serious.
The Briton would no longer have
the right to freely live and move in Europe.
Euro laws would no longer operate
to preserve the right to ensure that British
State pensions be paid in full in Europe. All benefits would cease to be protected,
Health care support would cease.
The French (or Spanish, Cypriots
etc.) could impose restrictions on foreigners in almost any manner. This would impinge
of the lives of both older and younger generations. Emigration from the UK
to Europe would be seriously affected.
All Euro States would become as
foreign to the British State
as any other country in the world.
In brief it is most urgent that
Britons abroad in Europe are heard and listened to in the British
parliament.
All who value the present
situation and their ability to live in the European Union should sign this
petition of the Editor of the Connexion.
And also this one ---
www.europeancitizensabroad.eu
If you entitled to register
to vote in the UK
elections – do so here
It is desirable that people contact MPs – even the Prime
Minister- in Britain. Get an address from this link -
You could forward this item… But the low number of signatures
on the petitions simply affirms in their minds that the matter is of no
importance to us.
If Farage has his way
in some future referendum, our world
could be become greatly changed, and we will have no say at all. Remember that.
(Brian Cave
– lefourquet@gmail.com)
View more than 640
comments from expatriates who want the vote here. http://polldaddy.com/poll/5099387/?view=results
