HMA Simon Manley bids farewell to UK Nationals in Spain
I leave my almost six years as HMA to Spain with a wealth of wonderful memories of this fantastic country. I understand why so many UK Nationals choose to live and visit here.
One of the tremendous privileges of this job has been to meet many of you, the British Nationals involved in your communities in so many different ways. Those of you volunteering with organisations like Cruz Roja, Age Concern and so many more; helping fight forest fires in Javea or looking after British cemeteries; those raising funds to help those in need; young people volunteering with organisations like Street Angels in Mallorca, helping to look after British visitors to the island or British councillors serving their local communities.
The footprint of British education relies on UK Nationals living and working here, as teachers and assistants in the many British schools and language academies. UK Nationals are also working in businesses across Spain – from bars and restaurants on the costas to the Big Five accountancy firms.
It has been an honour to represent Queen and country and to serve you, the UK nationals living here. If I have one final message as we leave the EU, it is to make sure you, your friends and family are properly registered as residents. And check on your neighbours – make sure they are registered too.
I wish you all continued health and happiness in your lives here in Spain.
Advice for UK nationals living in Spain can be found at: https://www.gov.uk/living-in-spain
This letter is also available as a video: https://youtu.be/fKF-HStR1uQ
The next British Ambassador to Spain will be Hugh Elliott, who begins his post on Monday 19 August.
