Uncertainty for many as Brexit bill gets royal assent

Britons living in European Union countries and European Union citizens living in the UK suffered a blow on Monday when MPs voted against an amendment by the House of Lords to publish plans to guarantee citizens' rights within three months of Article 50 being triggered.

The amendment was one of two to be considered by the House of Commons before the European Union (notification of withdrawal) Bill, or 'Brexit Bill,' as it has been dubbed, was passed by MPs unamended on Monday, paving the way for Prime Minister, Theresa May, to trigger Article 50.

Following the vote, Brexit minister, David Davis promised to hold, "moral responsibility," for guaranteeing the rights of Britons abroad and EU nationals living in the UK. However, critics and pro-remain groups have accused the government of using the two groups as "bargaining chips," and continuing to leave their futures in the balance.

Spain-based 'Bremain in Spain' will be participating in the 'Unite for Europe' march planned for 25 March in London, to highlight the plight of Britons in the country and in particular pensioners, who Sue Wilson, says are, "at breaking point," following the vote, as they are fearful of whether they will still be eligible for free health care once the UK leaves the EU. Other concerns include paying for prescriptions and eligibility for mortgages should they have to return to the UK.

The group will be taking banners, with messages including, "If 350,000 pensioners were forced to return to the UK, could our NHS cope?" and another which features Nigel Farage presiding over a large queue of pensioners, instead of refugees, in a twist on the controversial original 'Breaking Point' poster used by pro-Brexit campaigners in the lead-up to the referendum.

The 'Brexit Bill' was given Royal assent on Thursday and Prime Minister, Theresa May, is expected to trigger the long-anticipated Article 50 during the last week of March, although formal negotiations may not start until June.