With less than three weeks to go before Scotland makes its referendum decision on whether to split from the rest of the UK, there continues to be a lot of rhetoric, spin and, quite frankly, downright lies relating to how things will be in a post referendum "Yes" society.
Of course, the exact same pedalling of dodgy arguments and scaremongering (but hopefully not the thuggish threats) is to be expected if Cameron gets his wish for an in/out referendum on the divisive issue of membership of the EU in 2017.
But in amongst all this argy bargy, to-ing and fro-ing of debate and argument, the one group of British citizens that are going be most affected by "Yes" and "out" wins from these referendums is the expat currently living another EU country, thanks to the rights of freedom of movement.
So what if Scotland leaves the UK and/or the UK leaves the EU? What difference would it make?
Well I'm not going to argue the ins and outs of the Scottish/EU membership issue here. Anyone who wants to know how that particular piece of legislation works needs only to read the article:
Independent Scotland will have a long way to go for EU status, European Parliament policy adviser @Ben_Acheson blogs http://t.co/zifhH0cV4I
Instead it is worth considering the effects on those currently living in the EU and how easy it will be to deny the opportunities of those who might wish to broaden their horizons by coming to work and/or retire in another Member State. For example:
As non-EU citizens do not have the automatic right to live and work in EU countries, as "foreigners" Scottish/UK citizens would need to apply for fixed term residential permits.
Scottish/UK state pensioners would no longer have the automatic right to use healthcare systems in EU countries using the S1 form.
They could also have their State Pension frozen, as is currently applicable to SPs living outside the EU.
The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) would longer be valid for Scottish/UK citizens traveling within the EU.
UK "exportable" benefits, such as Disability Living Allowance (care element, not mobility proportion as that already prohibited under EU law) would not permissible.
UK educational and professional qualifications may not be accepted by countries within the EU, as EU mutual recognition rules would longer apply.
Naturally, I will presume that some readers will immediately jump on the stereotypical expat bandwagon and point out how we have "abandoned" our homeland to partake in supping sangria in the sun.
So this point I would like you to take a step back.
Reflect on how you would feel today if you were told by your government that they will continue to take your taxes and NI contributions... but you will have ABSOLUTELY NO SAY WHATSOEVER in a referendum that will affect the rest of your life. Or, indeed, after 15 years, no voting rights at all.
Or that you are in your twilight years, having worked and paid your contributions for over 40 years, retired on a basic State Pension to a small apartment/cottage in a quiet corner of another EU country, subsidising your medical costs (as unlike UK medical care is not FREE at the point of delivery) and living frugally during these times of austerity... and you then find all your rights have been taken away, with no available facility make your voice heard.
No vote, no voice, no representation... just pay your dues, thank you.
Welcome to the world of the British expat.
The solution?
Better think about getting that welcome mat out at the White Cliffs of Dover...
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