Part Six - Forgeign Birth application submitted

I have now submitted my FBR application to the Irish government with the ETA for review between 6-12 months. Its unknown how long this could really take because whilst i've been deligent in dotting the i's and crossing the t's its clear they have a surge of applications and no incentive to expedite the process.
It took me nearly four months to get to this point including phone calls, letters, ordering documents, translating documents, getting lawyer colleagues to notarise documents etc. Also it has cost ~£400 just to get to this stage and none of my children can benefit from this to Irish law (I would have had to have done this before they were born).

For historical reference its still unclear at this time which way Brexit will go. The PM seems to have control of the time table and is running out the clock to force the MPs into accepting whatever comprises the EU give us or No Deal. People should remember that even if the EU does concede on the backstop then they have essential won the negoatitions. They set the 'frame work' at the beginning which meant that if any of their red lines were not agreed then the process stopped. The main reason i voted remain was because i didn't think we could ever do well in such negotiations and i think i've been vindicated, a hollow victory of course.

Finally if anyone wants to understand how we got where we are then i recommend watching Brexit-the-uncivil-war on Channel 4. I fear that even if we had a second vote, and such tatics were no longer available, you still cannot reset the lies people have been told and more importantly the opinions they have formed because of them. We have many great values as britons but one aspect we do have is the ability to put our heads down and get the shoulder to the wheel in face of all opposition. i.e. People will stand by the position they have taken even if they secretly know its wrong, they can be intransigent.
Just listen to what some people say to opinion shows and you'll hear that most of the specific examples of reasons for Brexit are actually problems created by our own sucessive governments.

EHIC and Brexit (an open letter)

(I've just sent this email to the feedback address for the NHS EHIC process. #peoplesvote)

 

To whom it may concern,

I have just renewed my son's EHIC and found the process quick and painless which is good.

However i note that the letter which accompanies the new card does not mention the risks associated with Brexit at all. i.e Despite the printed expiry date on this card, it would presumably become totally defunct in the event of a No Deal scenario.

Whilst i can assume this is because the situation is rapidly evolving i think its important that all card holders are reminded on all possible occasions about such risks, especially as you come to rely on them.

I know my sons have needed medical treatment abroad in the past and having (or not on one occasion) this card in my possession made a significant difference in gaining access to treatment.

regards,

<Name supplied>