Bremain in Spain Comments on Lord Lawson Seeking French Citizenship

05 June 2018
by eub2 -- last modified 06 June 2018

Bremain in Spain, a group campaigning for the rights of British citizens in Spain and the EU, reacts to Lord Nigel Lawson seeking French citizenship.

Lawson, who was the the former Conservative chancellor under Margaret Thatcher (1983-89), is applying for French citizenship after many years of living in France. As chair of the Vote Leave campaign, Lord Lawson is facing accusations of profound hypocrisy over the move.

Sue Wilson, Chair of Bremain in Spain, said: "Lawson can't have been surprised to be ridiculed for his hypocrisy and insensitivity. He described the process of applying for residency in the EU as merely tiresome. I'm sure for others with similar resources, that may be true. For those not as privileged, the process may well prove more burdensome, stressful and costly."

"Lawson, who lives in a country house in Gers, south-west France, is embarking on the very course of action he wants to deny future generations. It's impossible not to think there's one rule for some and another for the connected, the powerful and the wealthy."

"Lawson has been an outspoken Brexiteer, as keen to leave the EU as Farage or Davis. He seems quite prepared to sacrifice our freedom of movement rights, so long as his personal circumstances aren't affected. A clear case of 'I'm all right Jacques'."

Bremain in Spain is a group campaigning for the UK to remain in the European Union and to protect the rights of British migrants living and working in Spain. Run by a team of volunteers and chaired by Sue Wilson - a resident of the Valencian Community - the group advocates a tolerant and outward-looking society. It believes this is best achieved by the UK remaining a member of the EU. Bremain in Spain is part of the British in Europe coalition of 10 UK citizens' groups across the EU. It is also affiliated to Britain for Europe and European Movement.

Bremain in Spain