British expats take to streets in Spain to protest Brexit uncertainty

Dozens of Britons took to the streets of Malaga in southern Spain on Sunday to raise awareness of their uncertain future once the UK leaves the EU.

The group of protesters held up placards which said "No Brexit" and "They're trying to make us leave the EU," while many were draped in EU flags, the Spanish flag and and Union Jacks.

Around 300,000 British expatriates live in Spain, which is particularly popular among elderly Britons as a retirement destination.

However, after Brexit, the end of EU free movement could make it harder for British expatriates to live and work in EU countries due to extra red tape, such as visa requirements.

Britons currently based in EU countries say they are yet to have received any concrete information from both the EU and the British government on what will happen to their legal status, despite repeated attempts to get some clarity.

"We feel really forgotten here in Spain," said Michael Soffe, a 61-year-old businessman who has lived in Malaga for 30 years. "Many here are pensioners - will they lose their healthcare overnight, for example?" he added.

Spain is the most popular European retirement destination for Britons, with around a third of British residents aged over 65.

Among foreign nationals, they are by far the biggest users of Spain's state-funded universal healthcare system. Many are concerned they will lose their free access to Spanish healthcare, currently assured by the European Union, as a result of Britain's exit from the bloc.

Acting Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, who could be replaced following November elections, has sought to reassure Britons living in Spain, promising to protect their rights after Britain's exit from the European Union.

One demonstrator on Sunday said Spain had done more for Britons living in the country than the British government, a sentiment that has been echoed by Britons in Germany and France.