Brexit news in brief: Ferries, votes, WA cards, naturalisation website

Update on issues affecting Britons in France, plus why a ferry service to Channel Islands is under threat

Post-Brexit issues impacting Britons in France
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Brexit news in brief:

  • The new European Britons group (europeanbritons.eu) is supporting a petition by partner organisation J’y suis, j’y vote calling for all residents in France to have local election votes. It can be found at jsjv.fr

Read more: New group will fight for rights of UK nationals in France and EU

  • Remember that Britons with With­drawal Agree­ment cards must, like all non-EU foreign residents, apply to update their cards within three months of changing address. Visit this government website and click Je déclare un changement de situation if you need to do this. It does not apply in the case of changes of commune or street name if you have not moved. Procedures for WA cards should be free, though there have reportedly been issues with this. If you are charged, let us know at news@connexionfrance.com.

Read more: Should I swap five-year Brexit residency card for 10-year card?

  • There is a new website for French nationality requests (by naturalisation, not fast-track ‘declaration’ processes). Log in with FranceConnect or details from your visa or carte de séjour. You can ask for help by clicking Nous Contacter, or calling 0806 001 620. Some prefectures also have self-service IT desks where you can access it with help from staff.

Read more: ‘How I went about applying for French citizenship’

  • British in Europe is running a survey on voting issues for Britons living abroad. Complete the survey here. The group, which recently won new funding to campaign to make sure Britons who have lost their vote after more than 15 years abroad can now re-register to vote again, wants to build up a better picture of the UK overseas community and their voting rights.
  • The Manche Iles Express ferry service between France and the Channel Islands is reportedly making a loss since Brexit, as fewer French people use it. The region’s president Jean Morin has threatened to end his council’s funding if the requirement for a passport, as opposed to an ID card, is not lifted by May 1.

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