The EU and British Retirees: Debunking Misconceptions and Misinformative Claims

There is a widespread misconception and a series of misleading claims about the number of British retirees living in the EU and the potential impact of their return to the UK. It is crucial to address these inaccuracies and provide a factual perspective on this topic.

Why Does the EU Not 'Dump' British Retirees?

The assertion that the EU should 'dump' British retirees or that 3 million UK citizens will 'find work' in the other 27 nations is absurd and misguided. Firstly, there is no direct correlation between the number of British retirees living in the EU and the employment prospects of elsewhere in the European Union. The focus on employment in this context is misplaced.

It is true that many British retirees in the EU live there as tourists, consuming goods and services, and contributing to the economies of the host countries. Each British retiree is likely to spend at least ￡1000 per month, totalling ￡36 billion per year for all retirees. This level of tourist income is significant and, in fact, desirable for the economies of their host nations. Therefore, it would be illogical for EU countries to suddenly and forcibly deport these individuals.

Legal and Ethical Considerations

Forcibly deporting people who have previously legally migrated to a country would be a breach of the Geneva Conventions. This action would effectively be a war crime, a serious violation of international law. If the UK were to do this with the 5 million or so EU nationals who have moved to the UK since the early 2000s, it would face the same scrutiny and consequences.

Jobs and Employment

The emphasis on finding jobs for British retirees is misplaced. The term 'retirees' in this context suggests that the individuals are not active in the job market. Retirement is often associated with having left the workforce, and thus, they are not typically seeking employment. Instead, they are residing in these countries to enjoy their golden years, seeking a comfortable and fulfilling life away from the UK.

Treaties and Rights

Under the terms of the Lisbon Treaty, rights obtained by EU citizens who moved to the UK are preserved. This includes the right to continue living in the UK, despite the leave vote. Biting the hand that feeds, it would be counterproductive for the UK government to implement policies that would undermine the benefits and rights of EU citizens and retirees in the UK.

Non-EU Nationals in EU Countries

Moreover, it’s important to note that there are numerous non-EU nationals residing in EU countries as well, adding to the complexity and diversity of the issue. These individuals face their own challenges and bureaucratic hurdles, such as restrictions on voting rights and the 15-year rule, which disenfranchises many expats from participating in the political processes that directly affect them.

Outlook for British Retirees

There is a significant number of Poles living in the UK, and a similar story could be told about other nationals from EU countries who have settled in the UK. The prospect of a mass return to their home countries, or being 'forced' to go back, not only ignores the rights of these individuals but could also cause unnecessary hardship and emotional distress. Airlines might profit from the mass exodus, but this is unlikely to be a positive outcome for the involved individuals or the countries they are leaving.

As for the political and economic landscape, British retirees are unlikely to be swayed by the allure of returning to the UK. The political system in the UK is viewed as needing radical reform, and many prefer the lifestyle and standard of living they have established in EU countries. Moreover, the cost of living in many parts of the EU is significantly lower than in the UK, which is a significant factor in the decision to remain.

In conclusion, the idea that the EU should 'dump' British retirees is both baseless and ethically questionable. It overlooks the economic contributions of these individuals, the legal and ethical considerations, and the fact that most retirees are simply enjoying their lives in another part of Europe, contributing positively to the economies and communities in which they live.