The UK’s historic vote on 23 June to leave the European Union has caused huge uncertainty, particularly for the three million EU citizens currently living in the UK, and the two million or so British people who live in other EU countries.

Brexit has huge implications for cross-border families, both in the UK and in Europe, but the practical consequences are not yet clear. Many families are worried about their futures: will they be able to stay? Will they need a visa to visit their families? Will they need work permits? What about reciprocal public healthcare arrangements? Will there be restrictions on studying and doing business? Will they face higher taxes on foreign property ownership, and cash transfers between member states? How will foreign pensions be treated?

It is essential that these families’ interests are central to the negotiations that will take place over the coming months and years. Their position will need very careful consideration and STEP will take an active role in highlighting their concerns to help provide certainty and enable these families to plan for their futures.

 

George Hodgson is Interim Chief Executive of STEP