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Expat rights activist dedicated to helping Brits in France dies after brief illness
| Published: | 26 Jul at 6 PM |
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85-year old expat rights activist Brian Cave has died after a short illness, but will be remembered for his untiring efforts on behalf of the rights of British expats living in France.
Mr Cave retired with his wife to France after his successful career as a teacher, and first became known for his determination and campaigning skills on issue such as the exportation of social security benefits for the disabled, the 15-year disenfranchisement scandal and the ending of winter fuel payments. He hosted the Pensioners Debout blog, was active in the UK voting rights website Votes for Expat Brits and helped found a campaign group now part of the British in Europe coalition.
His wife Helen told local media he’d always been involved in conservation and peoples’ rights, adding he seemed to attract causes needing help and never refused to join in. His greatest concern before he died was the stunning injustice of the fact that British expats in the European Union have been set up to be the worst affected by Brexit, but those who’d been away for over 15 years weren’t even allowed to vote for their own futures. Brian, she said, considered this as a denial of democracy.
Fellow activist and friend Roger Boaden said Mr Cave was a giant amongst those who’ve been campaigning for British citizens’ rights, adding he will be sadly missed for his wisdom, skills and zeal. According to Boaden, Mr Cave was devastated by the result of the 2016 referendum, but encouraged all his co-campaigners not to be depressed and to get together to start another campaign.
Mr Cave retired with his wife to France after his successful career as a teacher, and first became known for his determination and campaigning skills on issue such as the exportation of social security benefits for the disabled, the 15-year disenfranchisement scandal and the ending of winter fuel payments. He hosted the Pensioners Debout blog, was active in the UK voting rights website Votes for Expat Brits and helped found a campaign group now part of the British in Europe coalition.
His wife Helen told local media he’d always been involved in conservation and peoples’ rights, adding he seemed to attract causes needing help and never refused to join in. His greatest concern before he died was the stunning injustice of the fact that British expats in the European Union have been set up to be the worst affected by Brexit, but those who’d been away for over 15 years weren’t even allowed to vote for their own futures. Brian, she said, considered this as a denial of democracy.
Fellow activist and friend Roger Boaden said Mr Cave was a giant amongst those who’ve been campaigning for British citizens’ rights, adding he will be sadly missed for his wisdom, skills and zeal. According to Boaden, Mr Cave was devastated by the result of the 2016 referendum, but encouraged all his co-campaigners not to be depressed and to get together to start another campaign.
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