British Ambassador's parting message to Brits in Spain: 'Get registered'
Simon Manley, the British Ambassador to Madrid has come to the end of his post after almost six years.
As he prepares to return to London, the diplomat paid tribute to the work of so many volunteers serving British communities in Spain, as well as those who work here, singling out the huge contribution made by British teachers working in schools in Spain.
"I leave my almost six years as HMA to Spain with a wealth of wonderful memories of this fantastic country. I understand why so many UK Nationals choose to live and visit here," he said in a special farewell message issued on Wednesday.
"One of the tremendous privileges of this job has been to meet many of you, the British Nationals involved in your communities in so many different ways. Those of you volunteering with organisations like Cruz Roja, Age Concern and so many more; helping fight forest fires in Javea or looking after British cemeteries; those raising funds to help those in need; young people volunteering with organisations like Street Angels in Mallorca, helping to look after British visitors to the island or British councillors serving their local communities."
"The footprint of British education relies on UK Nationals living and working here, as teachers and assistants in the many British schools and language academies. UK Nationals are also working in businesses across Spain – from bars and restaurants on the costas to the Big Five accountancy firms," he said in a video message.
"It has been an honour to represent Queen and country and to serve you, the UK nationals living here."
But his biggest and most important message was urging Brits in Spain to make sure of one thing ahead of Brexit.
"If I have one final message as we leave the EU, it is to make sure you, your friends and family are properly registered as residents. And check on your neighbours – make sure they are registered too," he said before adding: "I wish you all continued health and happiness in your lives here in Spain."
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As he prepares to return to London, the diplomat paid tribute to the work of so many volunteers serving British communities in Spain, as well as those who work here, singling out the huge contribution made by British teachers working in schools in Spain.
"I leave my almost six years as HMA to Spain with a wealth of wonderful memories of this fantastic country. I understand why so many UK Nationals choose to live and visit here," he said in a special farewell message issued on Wednesday.
"One of the tremendous privileges of this job has been to meet many of you, the British Nationals involved in your communities in so many different ways. Those of you volunteering with organisations like Cruz Roja, Age Concern and so many more; helping fight forest fires in Javea or looking after British cemeteries; those raising funds to help those in need; young people volunteering with organisations like Street Angels in Mallorca, helping to look after British visitors to the island or British councillors serving their local communities."
"The footprint of British education relies on UK Nationals living and working here, as teachers and assistants in the many British schools and language academies. UK Nationals are also working in businesses across Spain – from bars and restaurants on the costas to the Big Five accountancy firms," he said in a video message.
"It has been an honour to represent Queen and country and to serve you, the UK nationals living here."
But his biggest and most important message was urging Brits in Spain to make sure of one thing ahead of Brexit.
"If I have one final message as we leave the EU, it is to make sure you, your friends and family are properly registered as residents. And check on your neighbours – make sure they are registered too," he said before adding: "I wish you all continued health and happiness in your lives here in Spain."
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