Jim Murphy

Spain

There are 17 million UK visitors to Spain every year. This week I have added to that number. Looking back at a day in Madrid, I am really struck by the opportunities there are for UK-Spanish cooperation. We have a tradition of strong relations with Spain. But we can do more because we're natural partners within the EU and beyond. At a speech I gave at an event hosted by Nueva Economia Forum I outlined our shared thinking: on tackling climate change, on building a high performing European economy with a low carbon output, on working with countries in Africa to develop effective migration policies. And throughout the day, I felt the buzz and energy of the new government (I think Deputy Foreign Minister Lossada's meeting with me was not only his first in his new job, but the first time he'd even been into his new office!). There is a real appetite to push forward and get results.

Posted at 11:14 24 April 2008 by Jim Murphy  |  Comments[3]

Madrid

After a day at the European Parliament in Strasbourg, I'm visiting Madrid today to meet my new counterparts in the Spanish government following elections in March, which for the first time has more women than men. (Yes - the new Spanish government which Italy's new Prime Minister for the third time, Silvio Berlusconi, reportedly described as "too pink" and said the women would be "difficult to lead"!) Despite 9 of the 17 new Cabinet Ministers being women, my meetings are both with male Ministers - Angel Lossado, the new Deputy Foreign Minister, and Diego Lopez Garrido, the new Europe Minister.

As well as having discussions about issues affecting the UK and Spain together (like purchasing property in Spain), and those that we're interested in on an EU and international level (like climate change and Kosovo), I'm speaking at an event looking at the movement of people into the EU, from Africa for example. This is the second in a series of seminars I kicked off in London on Monday, looking at a whole range of issues that matter to people living in the EU. And thinking about migration in Madrid makes sense - in the last 10 years Spain has warmly welcomed hundreds of thousands of migrants who successfully live and work in the country. There are now an estimated 4.5 million migrants in Spain - more than 10% of the population. Spain is definitely one of the countries to be talking to for expertise on what works, and to explore where the EU should focus its resources and cooperation.

Posted at 16:38 23 April 2008 by Jim Murphy  |  Comments[0]

Property issues in Cyprus and Spain

A lot of the letters I receive from members of the public, as well as MPs and MEPs writing on behalf of their constituents, are about problems people have experienced buying property abroad. I'm really pleased that lots of British citizens are investing like this throughout the EU - making the most of how easy it is to travel, live and work in different countries - but it's clear that buying property in other EU states is not always without risk. Legal systems in other countries are different to those in the UK, and language difficulties can be a cause of confusion. Prospective buyers should ensure that they take all the steps needed to avoid disappointment and sometimes serious financial consequences.

Two of the most popular destinations for UK house buyers are Cyprus and Spain. The FCO's travel advice pages for those countries warn potential purchasers of the risks involved with purchasing property in these countries and we strongly recommend that people seek qualified legal advice from a source independent from the seller before committing to a purchase. There have been - and still are - cases where dishonest estate agents and lawyers have knowingly taken advantage of the unwary. But I must emphasise that the FCO cannot become involved with private property disputes and it is important that independent legal advice is sought.

The travel advice for Cyprus contains a link to a document of frequently asked questions on property in Cyprus, containing information useful to anyone considering purchasing a property. The travel advice for Spain also has links to the British Embassy in Spain's website, which holds further details.

Posted at 10:04 05 February 2008 by Jim Murphy  |  Comments[5]