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By Ingrid Taylor
After two ‘Brexit Countdown’ evenings, it was time for a follow-up ‘Brexit Stammtisch’ to discuss all the events of recent weeks. On Monday, May 8th, a group of around 50 British professionals met to take stock. In a government declaration in the Bundestag, Angela Merkel herself had welcomed the contribution of British people to German society, and said we should stay. And the EU27 is also supporting our interests, as evidenced in their recently published draft negotiating guidelines (the content of which owes much to the efforts of the British in Europe Coalition). But we are still waiting for positive signals from across the Channel….
Everyone was encouraged to lobby local, national and European politicians, including those in the UK, in order to raise our concerns with those who have influence. A plea was also made for everyone who has a vote in the UK election to use it (with details of how to get your overseas vote on this website). Lawyer David Hole explained the nuances of acquired rights and the different interpretations on what might happen to these rights, and the serious implications of their loss for UK citizens living in the EU27. Rob Harrison outlined the Coalition´s various initiatives and activities. And Monika Haines reported on her survey of local companies, aimed at finding out what their plans are as regards their British employees post-Brexit.
Guardian Brexit journalist Lisa O’Carroll came along to report on the event; she highlighted a number of the issues covered, and interviewed individuals about their concerns.
Flyer for the Event:
70 British residents of Munich and the surrounding area came together on 27th March evening to review their options on the eve of Article 50 being triggered on the 29th March. (Photos of event below) The event aimed to provide information and an opportunity for all Brits living in the area to discuss the prospect of Brexit and the impact it may have on British citizens living in Germany. David Hole (solicitor and Rechtsanwalt) detailed the rights possibly at risk and potential scenarios. Ingrid Taylor (translator and teacher of German) reported on the work of the British in Europe Coalition, and set out what was involved in applying for German citizenship. Taylor said:
“The urgency in submitting citizenship applications soon must be underlined, as the waiting time in Munich to get an appointment to hand in the completed application is 8 months. It then takes the authorities a further 6 – 9 months to process the application. The clock is therefore ticking for those who want to obtain German citizenship ahead of Brexit and still retain their UK citizenship, i.e. dual citizenship. After Brexit, it is unlikely that both will be possible; it will be one or the other“
Due to the level of interest a second Brexit Countdown Event is being held in Munich on Monday, April 3rd. See details below:
Register your interest in coming along to the British in Germany meeting on Friday night at www.britishineurope.org British in Germany site is being constructed at present.
70 British residents of Munich and the surrounding area came together on 27th March evening to review their options on the eve of Article 50 being triggered on the 29th March. (Photos of event below) The event aimed to provide information and an opportunity for all Brits living in the area to discuss the prospect of Brexit and the impact it may have on British citizens living in Germany. David Hole (solicitor and Rechtsanwalt) detailed the rights possibly at risk and potential scenarios. Ingrid Taylor (translator and teacher of German) reported on the work of the British in Europe Coalition, and set out what was involved in applying for German citizenship. Taylor said:
“The urgency in submitting citizenship applications soon must be underlined, as the waiting time in Munich to get an appointment to hand in the completed application is 8 months. It then takes the authorities a further 6 – 9 months to process the application. The clock is therefore ticking for those who want to obtain German citizenship ahead of Brexit and still retain their UK citizenship, i.e. dual citizenship. After Brexit, it is unlikely that both will be possible; it will be one or the other“
Due to the level of interest a second Brexit Countdown Event is being held in Munich on Monday, April 3rd. See details below: