The European Liberal Democrats have carried out and expatriate survey of over five thousand British citizens living across the European Union, on their views on Brexit.
A total of 5,170 responses were received and included in the survey analysis, the main findings of which were as follows:
- just 11.5% of respondents have dual nationality (involving another country);
- the number of years respondents have lived outside the UK was very evenly spread, with 23.8% less than 5 years, 19% between 5-9 years, 34.3% between 10-15 years, 10.5% between 16-20 years, and 22.4% more than 20 years;
- just 20.4% of respondents are aged under 45 years, with 54.9% aged between 55-74 years;
- of the main countries of residence, 38.8% live in France, 23.8% live in Spain, 8% live in Belgium and 7.8% live in Germany. 121 residents of Luxembourg took part in the survey, representing 2.3% of respondents;
- regarding the reasons for living abraod, 37.1 % revealed that it was due to work, 32.1% had retired there, and 23% replied "other". .3% are students and 2.4% are on short-term work assignments;
- a very sizeable 58.7% revealed that they do not plan to return to the UK to live, with only 7.7% planning to return;
- in the EU Referendum, 57.6% voted to Remain and 2.3% voted to leave; the others either could not or did not vote;
- 82.9% are very concerned about the impact Brexit could have on their rights and benefits as an EU citizen;
- on EU benefits they would most like to retain, the right to reside without permission was top with 27.3%, next was Freedom of movement at 21.1%, then S1 healthcare contributions at 16.3%, the Right to work without permission at 15.6% and Automatic state pension increases at 15.3%. University tuition at local rates was just 2.4%;
- 78.7% responded that it was very important for them to be able to vote in future elections and Referendums in the UK;
- On the best way to ensure that the voice of Brits abroad is represented in UK politics, 26% respknded that the Government should deliver on its manifesto promise to restore votes to all UK citizens living abroad, 15.3% responded that there should be overseas constituencies with dedicated MPs for expats, 15% responded that registering to vote from abroad should be made easier, and 14.6% responded that voting should be made easier, e.g. electronic or at consulates, with 27.8% agreeing with all of these points.
