Brexit and Beyond: The Impact on British Expatriates

The Brexit referendum was a pivotal moment in the UK’s history, and its aftermath sent ripples across the nation. For many, it was a final straw that pushed them to leave the UK. This article explores the motivations and experiences of British expatriates who have chosen to leave due to Brexit, examining the personal stories and broader impacts.

The Chances Are Faced

Not everyone welcomed Brexit with open arms. For many, the choice to stay or leave was not coerced, but a deeply personal decision. My friend, who was living in Germany, exemplifies this—it was a choice, not a dictate. The German citizenship process was straightforward, requiring merely an administrative fee, in stark contrast to the UK citizenship application which is significantly more expensive and intimidating.

The Frustrations of Escaping Greed and Deception

I had been contemplating leaving the UK for several years prior to Brexit, driven by a growing sense of anxiety about the nation’s path. The UK, in my view, was heading towards disaster. The Brexit referendum confirmed my worst fears. I have always believed that the real motivation behind Brexit was greed, and it was not going to be good for the main taxpayers in the UK.

Adding to these concerns was a move by the EU to bring the UK into line with other members to stop the avoidance of taxes on profits. This combined with the lies and misinformation being fed to the public and the direction the government was taking, created a situation where it became more prudent to leave. Emigrating to a country that speaks a different language poses challenges, but Germany was a logical choice for me as I would be near the borders of Belgium and France, and would only be a two-hour flying distance to the UK. However, the shift to individual nation laws regarding trade is now an added complexity.

A Persistent Struggle of Personal and Professional Life

My decision to leave the UK in 1977, during Margaret Thatcher’s tenure, was a massive mistake. It took me until 1998 to find a permanent home in the Netherlands. The experience of Brexit was a significant blow, but fortunately, my employer’s decision to transfer me to Houston, Texas, then Australia, provided an alternative. Eventually, I settled in Texas, and I have been here for 18 years. The idea of returning to the UK, even despite outstanding family ties, is out of the question.

Health concerns also loom large—my daughter, who I haven’t seen in a decade and who lives in the UK, and my health issues, including incurable leukemia, skin cancer, and prostate cancer, are significant factors that influence my decision. The US may not be the end-all, be-all of life, but it certainly beats the UK in my current circumstances.

Conclusion: The Future for British Expatriates

The decision to leave the UK due to Brexit is often a deeply personal one, rooted in a mix of economic, political, and health concerns. As the UK continues to navigate its post-Brexit future, the stories of those who have left highlight the far-reaching impacts of this historic decision. For many, the US has provided not just a new home, but a new beginning, free from the anxieties of the old.

Keyword: brexit, immigration, expatriates