After Brexit vote shock, the wait begins

THE UK referendum’s Leave result means months, probably years, of uncertainty for the long-term rights of Britons living in France and those planning to come, but for the moment little will change.

The immediate impact was on the value of the pound, which suffered a record one-day drop to €1.23 on June 24, the day the result was announced - and dropped further in the days that followed. Its lowest rate was €1.02 in 2008.

Britain remains in the EU for now and Article 50, which fires the starting gun on exit negotiations, was not invoked immediately.

Once this happens there is a two year deadline for discussions which can be extended if all other 27 remaining states agree. Euro­pean Council president Donald Tusk has said another five years may be needed as individual national parliaments debate and agree the deal.

The principle of free movement, enshrined in the single market, and which allows Britons to live and work in France and enjoy almost the same social security benefits as the French, is under question as the UK may seek to impose quotas on the number of EU migrants who can enter the UK and limit their rights. This will influence the EU’s stance on expats.

Boris Johnson, a key figure in the Leave campaign, stated days after the result that the UK will maintain full rights for EU citizens already in the UK – and that Britons within the EU will have their rights respected.

An expert in EU law from London School of Economics, professor Damian Chalmers, said: “It’s unlikely that agreements would not make provision for existing residents to continue to have rights of residence and employment.

“What is more speculative is on the question of social benefits and there will obviously be questions about the rights of new residents.”