In early July the British Ambassador to Spain, Hugh Elliott, said that a deal was due to have been reached by the end of July - it did not happen.
He said that negotiations were due to have continued during August with a deal on the table, but still nothing has been achieved and now British residents are planning on taking protest action.
A Facebook site called “Invasion of the British embassy in Madrid for the DL exchange lssue” has been set up it states that the aim of the group “is to organise a demonstration at the British Embassy in Madrid regarding the problem of the exchange of British licences in Spain. The primary aim of this event will be for a delegation to have a discussion with the Ambassador and his staff. Any violence or calls for violence will not be tolerated.”
The latest update from the embassy was on August 26:
“The negotiations remain a top priority and teams are working hard to conclude them as quickly as possible. In the last two weeks, we have made further progress on the annexes and we and DfT are currently waiting for the Spanish to come back to us on some outstanding points. As soon as we have anything further to update on, we will let you know.
"We are very aware of the difficulties and frustration this is causing many of you – particularly in the heat of the summer. We read all your messages and continue to share examples of the difficulties being faced with the negotiating teams. A reminder that if you find yourself in a really vulnerable position, please do call our consular team on 0034 917 146 300 who will do their best to advise on any support that may be available.”
One of the most recent difficulties has been for Britons wishing to sign the books of condolence to the Queen, many have been unable to do so because they are currently unable to drive and they vented their anger and frustration on the Brits in Spain government Facebook site plus in Twitter.
In the meantime, the only solution is to take a Spanish driving test or hire a car. A hire car can be driven by a British resident using a UK licence.
10 comments
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Here's a radical idea... What if the "victims" went out and applied for a driving licence? It does seem logical, and it works for everybody else.
Dream on, 🤣🤣🤣🤣. No one cares about your protest. Spain is not obliged to come to any agreement.
Not surprised there will be a protest. Huge Idiot has been next to useless as an ambassador.
With the time and resources already spent on protesting this and other imaginary atrocities, you could all have a bloody driving licence by now. Grow up.
SaraIt's the Ambassador's fault if he's been giving people false hope all this time rather than spelling it out plainly from the beginning.
I have no sympathy for these idiots. They only have themselves to blame.
Just read my published comment. I did of course mean empathise not emphasise! 🤦🏼♀️
You people have a choice....either GET a Spanish Driving Licience...you know that saying...."When in Rome....".....( i have one...got it when i first arrived here....!!!) OR.......WALK, BUS IT OR HIRE...!!! You cannot CHERI pick now u are not in the EU.....AND ur Mediacl Card...!!!! Your are NOT in the EU NOW..SO....YOU have to change....YOU do that...NO ONE ELSE......this is EU LAWS...NOT SPAINS.....!!!
Tens of thousands? Good grief. Presumably the majority of those are not recent arrivals and therefore could have sorted it all out before the deadline but couldn’t be bothered. Hardly the Ambassador’s fault! As for getting to the embassy or consulate to sign the condolences book, what’s wrong with public transport? Some may be disabled and unable to travel that way, and taxis are difficult to come by this summer - with those people I emphasise - but surely the majority are fit and able?
Good Luck with your protest. But I do not expect anything will be achieved.