Survey asks Britons in France to share post-Brexit experiences

Britons in France and the rest of the EU are being asked to report on how their lives have been affected by Brexit, five years on from the end of the transition period.

Sociology professor Michaela Benson, who has been following impacts on Britons since Brexit, has launched a new survey and is looking for Britons of all ages, who were living in the EU (or EEA/Efta countries) before 2021, to take part.

The survey can be completed at this link and entries must be completed by July 11.

Prof Benson, from the UK’s Lancaster University, has run several previous related projects including the website Brexit Brits Abroad.

She said her new survey focuses on Britons’ experiences of accessing and securing their post-Brexit ‘Withdrawal Agreement’ residency status and associated rights.

All adult Britons falling under the WA protections had to apply for special ‘article 50’ WA residency cards to prove their status (Britons did not need residency cards prior to this, as EU citizens).

She said: “The survey considers the longer tail of Brexit for Britons resident in the EU, EEA and Efta countries. 

“As the fifth anniversary of the end of the transition period approaches, it is timely to revisit the implementation of citizens’ rights, to document and identify any issues and challenges faced by this population in securing their future rights, proof and recognition of their status.”

She added: “We are keen that voices are heard and to that end would ask people to share news of this survey with family and friends affected by the changes.”

You can read more about the survey here.

For a Connexion report on some findings of a previous study Prof Benson organised, see this article.