Elysée: no comment on Brexit warning

The Elysée declined to comment today after the Prime Minister of Spain said that a Brexit vote could negatively affect the rights of British people to live in Spain.

Mariano Rajoy told Spanish news agency EFE that a Brexit would be “negative for everybody”, but added: “Above all it would be very negative for British citizens – the EU is based, ever since its foundation, on principles of freedom of movement of people, goods, services and capital.

“Leaving the EU would mean that British citizens would lose their right to move freely, work and do business within the largest economic area, the largest market in the world.”

This came as leading figures in the Vote Leave campaign said Britain should impose a ‘points’ system for EU immigrants if the country leaves.

There may be about three-quarters of a million Britons living in Spain, compared to up to half a million in France (precise figures are not available). However the Elysée was unable to comment today about the rights of Britons to live in France if the UK leaves.

If you are a Briton in France and plan to vote in the referendum, today is the last day to register to vote.