Just been sent this by Spanish friends.
MESSAGE FROM THE SPANISH EMBASSY IN THE UNITED KINGDOM ON THE EU REFERENDUM
24/06/2016
In relation to the recent referendum on the membership of the United Kingdom to the EU, the Embassy of Spain wishes to point out the following:
1. the outcome of the referendum does not mean any change to the legal situation of the Spanish citizens and companies of our country in the United Kingdom, for a period of up to two years which may be extended. The Embassy would like to therefore launch a message of tranquillity to all Spanish citizens who work, reside or visit the United Kingdom or which are personal or professional relations with this country.
2. the United Kingdom must now notify its intention to withdraw from the European Union to the European Council. After such notification, the Union negotiated and held in an agreement that will establish the form of its withdrawal, taking account of the framework for its future relationship with the Union with the United Kingdom.
3. as noted at the beginning, this agreement will be negotiated during a period of up to two years extendable. During that time, the legal and institutional framework between the EU and the United Kingdom will remain unchanged, so there will be no change in relation to the current situation.
4. the EU treaties only will no longer apply to United Kingdom from the date of entry into force of the withdrawal agreement or, failing that, the two years of the notification referred to in point 2, unless agreed to extend the deadline.
5. taking into account the importance of the interests in the presence, the Government of Spain will work within the European institutions to achieve an agreement that is beneficial both for Spain and for the United Kingdom and the EU.
6. the Government of Spain has expressed its desire to strengthen relations between Spain and the United Kingdom at the bilateral level and continue to push forward the dense relationships between Spanish and British citizens in areas such as trade, employment, national communities living in the United Kingdom and Spain, investments and tourism.
