Allaying Brexit fears in Javea

SARAH-JANE MORRIS, the UK consul in Alicante, recently visited Javea to reassure British residents worried about Brexit.

The consul emphasised two factors. Firstly, she reminded expatriates, it was essential to register on the town hall ‘padron.’

The consulate will scrutinise the number and situation of Britons resident in Spain in order to bear their interests in mind during negotiations with the UK government, Ms Morris said:  “Spain is a very important case as it has more foreign residents than any other EU country, above all in coastal areas like Javea.”

Javea’s councillor for Foreign Residents’ Relations, Doris Courcelles, also reminded the audience that foreign residents from EU countries need to re-register on the Padron every five years.

Secondly, it was important to remain calm at this stage, the consul said.  Since Britain’s negotiations have not formally begun, the status quo will not change for at least two years, Ms Morris added .

Finally there were words of support from Javea’s mayor Jose Chulvi: “The town hall will not desert British residents at this difficult time and will do everything possible to defend their rights,” he pledged.