Ex-Patriots and the Euro.

[isitjustme]

Can anybody, with no axe to grind, for or against Englands membership of the EU, explain to me in simple terms (I am not the brightest star in the financial firmament) what the outcome is likely to be for ex-patriots in the Euro zone, if Cameron is forced to let the Nation have a referendum, and the result of that is for England to leave the EU? The reason for the question is probably self-evident, but our total income is from UK pensions of one sort or another.

[rojash]

The EU confers on all its members the right for their citizens to live anywhere in the EU. That's what gives me the right to live in Greece. If the UK leaves the EU, I'll no longer have that automatic right. Whether I'm then allowed to remain in Greece will be down to what the Greek government decides to do about it.

I'm not retired, but I would guess that the majority of Brits living in Europe are, so I think a mass return to the UK, might well put quite a burden on UK hospitals, social services, etc, etc.

[dance2trance]

Hi there, used to work on such matters. Fear not - it will be resolved, the Treaty will be slightly amended, and nothing will happen and if some MPs want to self publicise by pressing for a referendum - well so be it -but even if there was one and all UK said 'Let's Leave' then denegotiation would take 10-13 years. Way beyond the political tub thumping of the Coalition! The only real problem is pesky exchange rates. Nothing will happen.

[merejeans]

surely Brits leaving other countries would be more than compensated by the number of EU nationals living here, who would have to leave. Also we may not be bound by the laws that mean when other nationals land on our shores we have to keep them

[isitjustme]

Thank you all for your answers. dance2trance, I do so hope that you are right, but as you say, in the interim "pesky exchange rates"

[EDDIE51]

Even if we do have a referendum (VERY unlikely) it will not be about leaving the EU just on renegotiating the terms of membership.

[isitjustme]

EDDIE51,
You may be right, but the mood of the English electorate at the moment is, I believe for IN/OUT.

[maggiebee]

Thanks to all who have mentioned it's the UK's membership, not just England. No wonder us Scots want a referendum on independance. England have even claimed the Olympic Games - what about team UK? Rant over for the day, steps carefully down from soapbox!

[Euphemia]

Hear, hear, Maggiebee!

[buildersmate]

Yet another person been influenced by the self-promoting proclamations of Alex Salmon, I see.
I am reminded of the true story that when Dom Mintoff decided to heave the British troops off the island of Malta in 1979 he then discovered all the benefits of having had the British there. For example they had no capability to repair any of the roads.

[maggiebee]

I am reminded of the true story that Scotland did not vote Cameron in - in fact the Conservatives only hold 1 seat in Scotland.

[rojash]

"surely Brits leaving other countries would be more than compensated by the number of EU nationals living here, who would have to leave."

Most of the EU nationals living in the UK are working. Most of the UK nationals living in the EU are pensioners.

[whiskeryron]

Sod Europe how about a referendum about returning to ''The United Kingdom''.
Our proud Union flag carries the cross of St George, the cross of St Andrew, & the cross of St Patrick. Yet more & more we are seeing the breakup of our heritage with Scotland wanting Independence ( some Scots) Wales with their own Assembly etc. Will we see maybe Kent,Essex,Norfolk to name but a few wanting to break away ? I would rather we repaired our own fractures than be linked so closely to the European continent. What say you my British brethren ?

[rojash]

You seem to have shot yourself in the foot there, Ron.
First you extol the United kingdom, then you call on only the British to agree with you.

[whiskeryron]

No I haven't rojash. I am referring to ''Great Britain'' ( you included).

W Ron.

[isitjustme]

I really did not want this to turn into a political punch-up, but , since you mention it maggiebee, I am all for Scotland being independent. I am cheesed off with Scottish MPs, most of whom are Socialists, be able to influence what happens in England because they know full well that Scotland can still keep on taking the money given to them under Barnet, which enables them to have free prescriptions, cheaper Education and many other benefits denied the English. Rant over.

[buildersmate]

Maggiebee
The collective constituents of Manchester didn't vote for Cameron either - indeed there are few Conservatrive MPs returned from that geographic area also . But then there is equally no logic in them claiming independence either. Why pick on a random group of UK constituents that happen to be north of Berwick-on-Tweed?
As I said, you've been got at by Alex Salmon.

[maggiebee]

Aawww come on. Alex is my toy boy you know - keep his photo beside my bed and always give him a goodnight kiss.

[isitjustme]

maggiebee,
"Aawww come on. Alex is my toy boy you know - keep his photo beside my bed and always give him a goodnight kiss"
You poor sad soul, seek help.

[rojash]

"No I haven't rojash. I am referring to ''Great Britain'' ( you included)."

Yes you have Ron. Great Britain excludes Northern Ireland. The UK includes it.

So having extolled the UK and specifically mentioned the cross of St Patrick, you've then gone on to appeal only to the British, thus excluding the Irish and their flag.