The new Civil Servant will be able to answer questions on a range of issues such as registration, healthcare and property problems. Some British citizen’s homes are currently under threat of demolition in Andalucía.

The Minister started his visit in Torrevieja on Saturday where he hosted a public event at the Hotel Cabo Cervera. He answered questions from residents on a wide range of issues affecting British citizens living in Spain including property, pensions and benefits.

Also during his visit the Minister met with Mayor of Albox, José García Navarro, and British families affected by a demolition order in Albox in Andalucía. The Minister said: “We continue to work with the Government of Spain and relevant local authorities on resolving the issues that the people of Albox face.”

For more information visit UK in Spain

Regards
Andrew Belles

According to the census reported in the article, the figures show that 75 per cent of state schools now offer Spanish compared with 67 per cent offering German.
Supposedly businesses fear the demise of German because the country is one of the UK’s largest non-English speaking trading partners. This seems like a foolish statement to me. Most of the UK’s exports to Germany are in the form of specialised manufacturing parts and make up only a small percentage of the total GDP of the UK. Also few of the people involved in these industries would be in contact with their German counterparts/clients. It should also be noted that as Germany is an extremely important exporting nation and English being the main international language, takes priority in their schools as the main foreign language taught.
And let’s face it, the British are not know for their linguistic skills. Supposedly 99% of schools offer French, yet how many English actually speak the language with any fluency?

By contrast to German, Spain can be seen as a “language of leisure”. Spain level of trade with the UK is lower than Germany’s, but it is the main holiday destination for the British public. So why not teach a language that will be more relevant to the student’s life. It is also my opinion that, by learning Spanish and then having the chance to use it while on holiday or working in Spain will have to positive effects. A better understanding of Spanish might allow brits on holiday to appreciate and enjoy Spain people and culture better. And by learning a language that will actually be used might lead to a better appreciation for learning other languages including German.

Regards
Andrew