Lobbying MEPs on citizens rights

[Fred]

If you are effected by Brexit and want to have a voice here is your chance to take part in a Lobby Campaign set up by Site: remaininfrance.org

*This isn't about stopping Brexit, there are other campaigns out there if your interested. But personally I don't want to stop Brexit, I just want to continue living my life in France as I do now and that is what this campaign is all about.

The campaign "Lobbying MEPs on citizens rights" can be found here: remaininfrance.org/mep-lobbying-campaign.html

A full explanation on how to take part, along with ready made templates is available and it's just a matter of sending an Email.

*You will need to copy the link as it doesn't conform to the security filters in place on AMF. But the site is safe.

[Brian]

Thanks for the heads-up, Fred.
Email duly sent.

One point is that you may get a message to say the site isn't secure - it looks as if their https settings are incorrect.
To avoid the message, replace https: with https:

Brian

[Fred]

Thanks for the heads-up, Fred.
Email duly sent.

One point is that you may get a message to say the site isn't secure - it looks as if their https settings are incorrect.
To avoid the message, replace https: with https:

Brian

Good point. It's because I don't allow unsecure links and have a filter in place.

*Made an edit to the first post.

I've got mine sent.  

[Fred]

I've had 1 reply from a Conservative MEP

Quote:

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Thank you for contacting me on citizens’ rights.

The European Parliament is in regular dialogue with citizens, including the “British in Europe” and “the3million” groups.

I want to reassure you that EU and UK negotiators on both sides want to reach an amicable agreement of citizens’ rights. As Theresa May has made clear, the UK will remain an open and tolerant nation that welcomes EU citizens post-Brexit.

In June 2017 the Home Office published a white paper which ensures that EU citizens currently living and working in the UK can secure “settled status” once the UK leaves the EU. In November the Home Office published further technical notes on the streamlined application system for EU citizens to obtain settled status.  Both the UK and the EU work on the understanding that a deal on the future rights of citizens should be secured on a reciprocal basis - a key ask by the European Commission’s Article 50 Task Force led by Michel Barnier.

While important progress has been made on the issue, it is unfortunate that the European Council concluded in October 2017 that “sufficient progress” had not been made on the three key priorities, which also include the exit bill and the border with Northern Ireland. The EU’s insistence that “nothing is agreed until everything is agreed” in negotiations means that a deal securing citizens' rights has not yet been finalised. It is very unfortunate that the EU’s negotiating strategy is causing a huge amount of uncertainty for thousands of people.

I therefore understand your concern but I would like to reassure you that an amicable deal on citizens’ rights will I am sure be reached before the cut-off date of 29 March 2019.

Pretty much what I expected and we are still getting nowhere, but at least one has replied.

[Fred]

I've had another reply from a Labour MEP

Quote:

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I agree with you that the Brexit negotiations have been frustratingly slow especially with regards to the rights of EU citizens living in the UK and UK citizens living in the EU.

While both the UK Government and the EU27 said this was a priority, it is now over a year since the referendum and we still don't have any answers.

I completely appreciate how difficult this must be for you personally. It is wrong you have been left with such uncertainty.

As a group who campaigned hard for and voted to Remain, I would like to assure you that Labour MEPs are working closely with British in Europe on your behalf and are making your case in the European Parliament and in the UK.

I am always keen to highlight stories like yours in the news at home. When people in the UK realise we are talking about individuals who used to live in their local area, and so are really just like them, we get more sympathy for your cause, which in turn puts the Government under pressure. If you'd be happy for me to do this, please let me know.

Once again, thank you for contacting me and I am sorry it is under these circumstances.

[Brian]

I prefer the tone of the second letter. The first one is pretty much a word-for-word copy of a reply I received.

[Fred]

I prefer the tone of the second letter. The first one is pretty much a word-for-word copy of a reply I received.

Yes I thought the first one sounded like a copy and paste.

I have replied to the second one with a bit more info about our situation for reference but decided against her using our information in the press.

I'm not bothered any more about Brexit to be honest. I don't like what the UK and it's people have become so would be happy to wave goodbye, but it would be nice to get some sort of clarification on where we stand at the end of it all should this shambles ever get anywhere.

[Admiral]

I'm not bothered any more about Brexit to be honest. I don't like what the UK and it's people have become so would be happy to wave goodbye, but it would be nice to get some sort of clarification on where we stand at the end of it all should this shambles ever get anywhere.

Dangerous waters Fred.   We know a lot of people here in France who have that "not bothered" attitude without, in my opinion, realising where it may lead.

In essence that awful May woman and her Tory cronies don't seem to have a clue what they are up to when it comes to Brexit.

The EU has made it clear, in this order:

Sort out divorce bill.

Sort out citizens rights.

Sort out trade deal - if any.

Sort out the Irish border problem.

Simple to you and me innit?

If we, as ex-pats, don't get a recipricol deal on rights - especially health - some of us need to think long and hard where our futures lie.

End of doom laden speech.

[Fred]

Dangerous waters Fred.   We know a lot of people here in France who have that "not bothered" attitude without, in my opinion, realising where it may lead.

I've sent off my Lobby Campaign Form Admiral, but to be honest I stand by what I say and can't really do much more.

You are right I don't know where it will lead, but not one of us do. Brexit has caused too much uncertainty and hatred for my liking so the sooner it's over the better and we can all get on with it what ever it is.

I'm fed up with it all and just don't care any more. My priority is staying here in France by whatever means it takes, if at the end of the day it's not possible then I will worry about it. But even then the UK would be last on my list of places to live.

As for the reciprocal health agreement, I'm currently getting around €20,000 of treatment per year paid for by the French government and last year between myself and Mrs Fred they paid just over €30,000 for our medical costs. So the reciprocal health agreement isn't being used in our case, it's all paid for by the MSA. We are fully integrated in the French system and have been for aver 13 years, so apart from having a French passport we are classed as a French citizen.  

They have dragged their heals over Brexit for over 1.5 years now and still have nothing apart from some very heavy looking bills that could go on for years. I don't live in the UK so I'm not bothered what happens to the UK. I was against Brexit but I've now accepted it, though I don't want to be a part of it or what it has become.

If Brexit was to stop now it, wouldn't make any difference to me. If it goes ahead, I will look at it then and see what is on offer.

[Fred]

Looks like we have some good news at last.

Quote:

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EU citizens in the UK and UK citizens in the rest of the EU have the right to stay. Rights of their children and those of partners in existing “durable relationships” are also guaranteed.
UK courts will preside over enforcing rights over EU citizens in Britain but can refer unclear cases to the European court of justice for eight years after withdrawal.