RISING BRITS: Third of residents of two Spanish towns are from the UK

BRITISH residents now make up more than a third of the populous in Rojales and Quesada, with 16,560 residents, 70 per cent of the population from foreign shores.

According to the National Institute of Statistics, 5,648 of these are from the UK.

It has been suggested the “increase in numbers” could be down to residents registering to vote in the upcoming European elections.

The British consulate in Alicante and the British Embassy in Madrid have long stressed the importance of all residents registering correctly, especially those that now see Spain as their second home. This is largely so that British expatriates can benefit from the bilateral agreements between the two countries, should the UK ever leave. With more than half of the registered Brits being over 65, the fundamental concern is that of the health system.

Derek Monks is the councillor for Integration of Residents. Regarding the high numbers, he told Euro Weekly News that Brexit is having an effect, despite not many Brits voting in the local or European elections.

Originally from Wigan but now a Rojales resident himself, he said: “Many British here don’t want a Brexit but most think that, if it happens, it won‘t affect their lives – largely down to the bond between both governments. After all, nobody wants people to leave”.

He said the benefit of an increased life expectancy, better climate and quality of life is considered a more than worthy compromise.