[Denver]

From the Costa Brava to the Costa Blanca, Brits abroad have been living the dream for decades.

But for the 100,000 living in Spain and the many more who holiday there every year, that lifestyle has been in doubt ever since the historic vote to leave the EU on June 23.

But after Daily Star Online exclusively lifted the lid on how British expats are “living in limbo”, we can now reveal that they might not have to pack their bags after all.

“The Spanish simply have to keep hold of the Brits to survive”
Paul Quigley
“The Spanish simply have to keep hold of the Brits to survive,” political commentator Paul Quigley told Daily Star Online.

“Their economy needs Brits – the money they get from tourism is absolutely essential, particularly as youth unemployment is sky rocketing, the currency is stagnating and inflation is rampant.”

The threat is clearly very real, too. Research put together by travelsupermarket.com suggests that Brits are turning their backs on the Costas as they look to the Greek Islands, Cape Verde and Bali.

It doesn’t stop there, though.

Paul believes the economic implications of Britain leaving the European Union will provoke a Spanish-style Brexit – or Spexit.

He highlights the contradiction in their need to continue attracting investment from British tourists despite not being able to negotiate an independent trade deal.

“After Brexit they could look to deal with us.

“Spain will look to Britain and want the same autonomy.

“The bars, clubs and hotels all need to be full – if they’re not, people’s livelihoods are at stake.

“It’s very simple. In many ways Britain is more important than Europe to Spain.”

Euroscepticism in Spain is no secret.

The largely anti-EU Podemos Party is growing at an astronomical rate and is already the second biggest political party in the country – despite forming just three years ago.

“It is obvious what is going on in the long-term,” Paul added.

http://www.dailystar.co.uk/news/late...a-May-politics