Two years ago, LibDems in Europe, told the Bulletin “the Withdrawal Agreement failed to take into account the situation and the needs of the millions of British citizens working and living overseas; they got lost in the process. And the LibDems are very aware of that. So moving forward, we, as a party, have a four-stage plan to rebuild sensible relations with Europe that eventually will lead to tackling the 90-day rule one way or another. But unilaterally, it will be difficult.
“We want to look for ways to make life easier for Britons either already working or living abroad and those wishing to do so. As a result of Brexit, Britons -at personal and professional levels - are facing serious difficulties. This is why the LibDems have designated two members of the Lords, two peers, to represent, on behalf of the party, British citizens living in Europe and overseas.
“The next step will be to motion having MPs for overseas constituencies and this can be done without having to consult and reach agreement with the EU. This can be done unilaterally. Liberal Democrats are the UK’s most pro-European political party. We believe Britain’s best future is at the heart of Europe – and our long-term ambition is to see the UK in that place once more,” the Bulletin reported at the time.
The LibDems are still committed to closer ties with Europe and it appears that they are not the only party concerned about the impact of the 90-day rule. According to The Connexion in France, LibDem MP Helen Morgan (North Shropshire) has said that “In parliament, Sir Ed Davey and the Liberal Democrat team are stepping up the pressure on the government to be more pro-active, starting with a new bespoke customs union but also tackling the other problems left by Boris Johnson, including the 90-in-180 day rule and the multiple difficulties faced by some many export businesses.”
Backing has also come from some Labour MPs. Mary Foy (Durham) referred in an email to 90/180 as “one of the many damaging consequences of the Conservative government’s Brexit deal and the failure to properly protect the interests of UK citizens who live and work across borders”.
The UK Foreign Office has issued a fresh reminder to Britons travelling to Spain and other Schengen Zone countries about the new European Union entry rules. While Spain, and other EU countries rush to try and get the new EES entry/exit system fully operational ahead of the April 10 deadline, the FCO has stated: Britons can travel without a visa to the Schengen area, which includes Spain, for up to 90 days in any 180-day period.
This applies if you travel:
as a tourist
to visit family or friends
to attend business meetings, cultural or sports events
for short-term studies or training
The requirements for working in Spain are different.
If you’re travelling to other Schengen countries as well, make sure your whole visit is within the 90-day visa-free limit. Visits to Schengen countries in the 180 days before you travel count towards your 90 days. If you overstay the 90-day visa-free limit, you may be banned from entering Schengen countries for up to three years.