Brit expats in France demand second referendum based on Brexit deal

British expatriates living in France are now in favour of a second referendum as the only way to stop the Brexit debacle.

Brit expats who’ve made their homes and started businesses in France are amongst the worst affected by the UK/EU divorce, with the majority now believing the only way out of the debacle is via a second referendum. The result of a weekly poll taken by one popular English language newspaper with pan-France coverage saw a majority of 82 per cent in favour of a People's Vote. Most of those who opted for another ballot are far more informed about the consequences of Brexit than they were two years ago.

Comments received as part of the poll included the necessity of being able to make an informed choice, as the first referendum was about ideals, not the reality of leaving or staying in the EU. Another noted British expats in Europe should be allowed to have a say as their futures are at stake. The majority of respondents also believed that any referendum must include an option to cancel Brexit and remain within the European Union. Many respondents believe the first referendum’s Leave campaign was based on lies, with a large number of expats unable to vote due to the 15-year rule and many of those who wanted to unable to as they didn't receive their papers until after the referendum.

The growing momentum for a vote by all Britons is thought to be the result of the very real possibility of a disastrous no-deal exit combined with the fact that British expats’ future status in France hasn’t yet been guaranteed. At the same time, a number of respondents believe it’s the government itself which should stop Brexit in its tracks, as by now all lawmakers are fully aware it’s the best thing to do for the constituents who elected them. Putting the entire responsibility of a second vote onto British citizens, they say, is a cop-out as well as a failure to do the jobs they were elected to do.