Brexit campaign group closes down 10 years after formation

As Brexit coalition British in Europe (BiE) marks 10 years since the UK's referendum vote, one of its founding grassroots groups is drawing a line under a chapter of campaigning.

Brexpats – Hear Our Voice (BHOV), set up in the immediate aftermath of the referendum, has archived its Facebook group that became a hub for Britons living across Europe as they sought information, support and reassurance about their futures.

It has also closed the related Facebook page.

Founder Debbie Williams, who now lives in Spain, said the group grew out of the uncertainty many Britons abroad felt when they realised freedom of movement and other rights they had taken for granted could be at risk.

“I think we were all in a state of shock – I thought, ‘I’m going to have to do something about it’,” she said.

At the time, Ms Williams and her husband had made full use of EU free movement rights for his job as an IT contractor.

“We'd just moved from Germany to Belgium and then we were going to the Netherlands next. I thought, well, how's that going to work then?”

The group was created the day after the referendum. Initially it was simply a place where people could discuss what Brexit might mean for their lives.

Within days, members had written to every MP and member of the House of Lords, outlining concerns ranging from residency rights and healthcare to pensions, employment and the future of their children.

“We listed every aspect of our lives living overseas,” she said.

Campaign growth

The campaign rapidly grew into one of several organisations representing Britons living in Europe and later became part of the British in Europe coalition, which worked alongside the3million, representing EU citizens in the UK, throughout the Brexit negotiations.

As uncertainty unfolded, Ms Williams said the group became a trusted source of information for Britons navigating complex changes, while also highlighting concerns of EU citizens in the UK.

“Alongside this practical work, we built relationships with parliamentarians, civil servants, diplomats, academics and journalists to keep citizens' rights firmly on the agenda throughout the Brexit process,” she said.

“BHOV submitted evidence to parliamentary inquiries, participated in consultations and met regularly with policymakers in the UK and across Europe.

"We were invited to speak at conferences, roundtables and public events, helping decision-makers understand how Brexit was affecting people's everyday lives.”

Along the way, BHOV gained recognition for its work. Ms Williams received an MBE and the group was awarded the European Parliament's European Citizens' Prize.

Read more: my experience renewing a five-year French ‘Brexit card’

Achievements

The group also collaborated on the book In Limbo Too: Brexit Testimonies from UK Citizens in the EU, documenting the experiences of Britons living across Europe during the Brexit years.

It was also among those that campaigned successfully for the end of the 15-year limit on Britons voting from abroad, which Ms Williams welcomed, though she said it remains up to individuals to make use of that opportunity.

“Behind every achievement stood an extraordinary network of volunteers,” she said.

“Thousands upon thousands of hours were given freely by people determined to help others navigate uncertainty and protect their rights.”

Yet she said its greatest achievement was not political recognition but ensuring the experiences of ordinary people were heard.

“The defining feature of our work was bringing the human reality of Brexit into public discussion.

“While much of the debate focused on trade, borders and political negotiations, we concentrated on the experiences of individuals and families whose lives were being reshaped by decisions beyond their control.

“By sharing those stories, we helped ensure that the people behind the policies were not overlooked.”

The group was all about “connecting people and raising our voices”, she said.

She also feels its work helped to show that Britons abroad are far more diverse than the stereotype of the wealthy retired expat who does not integrate.

Reasons for winding down

She said the decision to wind down BHOV was not taken lightly but the circumstances that gave rise to it have changed, and the focus has moved from “navigating uncertainty” to “living with the long-term realities and challenges”.

Although the Facebook group is now archived, Ms Williams does not believe the issues facing Britons in Europe have entirely disappeared.

She pointed to continuing concerns surrounding Withdrawal Agreement residency rights, including the ongoing process of upgrading some five-year cards to 10-year permanent cards.

She still hears about difficulties obtaining appointments and resolving administrative issues.

The changes have also affected those moving abroad after Brexit.

Ms Williams pointed to friends in Spain who have encountered complications linked to visas and healthcare arrangements that did not exist before the UK left the EU.

More broadly, she believes the loss of freedom of movement has had a lasting impact.

Her husband's contracting work across Europe became significantly more complicated after Brexit, reflecting the experience of many Britons whose careers previously involved moving easily between EU countries.

Looking to the future, she said she hopes the UK and EU continue to develop closer ties. “I'd take the single market,” she said, arguing that easier movement for work and study would benefit younger generations in particular.

As for herself, Ms Williams, 63, says it is time for a quieter life after a decade of activism. However, she is closing the group with “an immense sense of pride and gratitude”.