Originally from Oxford, Sue has lived in Spain since 2007. As chair of Bremain in Spain, Sue campaigns for the rights of British citizens in Spain and across the EU, and for the restoration of voting rights for Brits abroad.
Sue Wilson, now a Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, follows up on her first three open letters to the prime minister. Sue is chair of Bremain in Spain and dedicates her time to campaigning for the rights of UK citizens in the EU.
Brexit negotiations are continuing, with the UK and EU at an impasse over the Northern Ireland protocol and checks on British goods
Sue Wilson writes about the impact of Covid and Brexit on our lives over the past year; ties with the EU have been severed, divisions over lockdowns have arisen, and sadly not everything we have lost can be replaced, namely trust in our government.
The restoration of voting rights for British citizens living abroad has long been a Conservative manifesto promise. This time we have a government-backed bill, an 80-strong majority, and what looks remarkably like a plan.
Sue Wilson explains the impact that Brexit is having on Brits abroad and EU citizens living in the UK; the European Affairs Committee met (virtually) to discuss citizens’ rights.
Lord Frost gives evidence to parliamentary committees and says relationship with the EU will be “a bit bumpy” for some time, but he’s keen to find some Brexit opportunities
Sue Wilson explains the significance of the electoral integrity bill on voting rights. Photo IDs are expensive and not everyone can afford them; but this doesn’t mean they should be denied their democratic right.
Sue Wilson explains the impact the pandemic has had on the tourism industry in Spain. It has been devastating, but they have the support of the EU.
Now the UK is no longer an EU member state – even in Brexit is still far from ‘done’ – are those labels still relevant or helpful? Do the vast majority of the British public even care about Brexit anymore?
Brits in the EU are traditionally ignored by mainstream media, unless they misbehave. Sue Wilson comments on the treatment of Brits abroad and the recent refusal of entry into Spain. Both covid and Brexit played a role in this.
Before they disband, the Lords committee, and its four subcommittees, have produced a final five reports, all under the heading ‘Beyond Brexit’.
Sue Wilson, who lives in Spain, challenges the stereotype of Brits abroad, suggesting that the press are responsible for the image of gin-drinking, golf players. She points out that until EU citizens in the UK are called ‘expats’, she too will remain a ‘British immigrant’.
Sue Wilson explains that as British holidaymakers come to terms with the new rules, Britons currently on extended stays in Europe are running out of time. On 31 March, their 90 days will be up.
Sue Wilson explains about the £2.5 million the government has committed to remove the limit that British expats face when voting. Will they reward the government for allowing them to vote or punish them for their lack of voice in the Brexit referendum?
Sue Wilson writes to Matt Hancock, to offer her support and well-intentioned advice. “You’ve been getting a lot of stick lately over the whole ‘contracts for cronies’ scandal. I appreciate that these are times of national crisis, and that normal rules don’t apply, but you need some better excuses I’m afraid.”
We’ve been patient, as the numbers of disenfranchised voters have grown. We’ve watched from a distance as major decisions about the future of the UK have been made without our involvement. Decisions that affect us deeply. It’s time to give us the voice we’ve so long been promised, and in time for the next general election. Even if the government might not like what we have to say.
I look forward, with interest, to see what japes you might come up with next. Having a jester for a prime minister doesn’t always look wise, but it sure can be a lot of fun in these depressing times, so keep up the good work!
We may have to wait four more years for a sea change in the UK. Who knows where the current government’s journey will take us in the meantime, or how much damage they might do in their time in power. We can only hope that with Trump now removed, the failures, lies and extremism of our own self-absorbed leader with be exposed for all the world to see, and to scorn.
Sue Wilson follows up on her last open letter to the prime minister. “I also want to congratulate you on still being prime minister. I wasn’t sure that you would last this long when I last wrote, but I stand corrected. I’m very happy about this, as I really think that the Brexit to come – whether a hard deal or no deal – should have your name all over it. You deserve nothing less, especially as I know how you like to take all the credit.”
Dear Prime Minister, I thought I’d write to you, sooner rather than later, as I’ve little confidence of your remaining a resident of number 10 for too much longer. First let me reassure you as to the purpose of my correspondence. The last time I wrote to a sitting prime minister was just before I […]
On 18 September, the newly merged Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office launched a public information campaign for post-Brexit travellers to Europe – Going to Europe next year? The campaign is designed to “help British travellers prepare for changes when visiting Europe from 1 January 2021”. Any new government campaign usually warrants a catchy new slogan, […]
Even before the latest threats to the Brexit Withdrawal Agreement Act 2020 were made public, Britons living in Europe were becoming increasingly nervous about their futures. For those relying on protections afforded us by this ‘deal’, those concerns were heightened this week by the introduction of the UK internal market bill. British citizens, both in […]
“Many of you have built your homes here and we want you to stay . . . You are part of the Spanish family. You are part of us. The Spanish Government is here to support you in this new phase and we want to send you a very clear message: this is, and will […]