Nothing changes for New Zealanders for now: British High Commissioner to New Zealand Jonathan Sinclair
British High Commissioner Jonathan Sinclair told TV One’s Q+A programme that New Zealanders currently living in the UK
or wanting to travel there can be assured that there will be no changes to current rules for now.
‘Well, as the Prime Minister said, nothing changes. We are a member of the EU, and we remain so for—until it takes for
the negotiation to leave, and during that time nothing changes. John Key said very similar things yesterday, that the
status of New Zealanders is unchanged in that regard, and we look forward to many New Zealanders come and work and study
and be tourists in UK. So in that regard nothing changes at all.’
Jonathan Sinclair told Greg Boyed that he is, ‘personally disappointed. I voted for remain’
Mr Sinclair said, Britain will ‘remain outward-facing and engaged in the world, so while there is, of course, split
opinion in Britain and disappointment on one side, we look forward to this with confidence because we can and will
remain engaged in the world.’
Mr Sinclair also said it is too soon to say what will happen in terms of immigration and trade.
‘There’s very clear sense that Europe remains the most important export market for Britain. 44% of our exports go to
Europe. So as we negotiate our exit from the European Union, we will want to put in place a robust agreement with our
partners and friends to ensure that we get the very best possible deal for British goods, services and for the
population. So we’ll see this play out over the next two and a half to three years.’
Q+A, 9-10am Sundays on TV ONE and one hour later on TV ONE plus 1. Repeated Sunday evening at 11:35pm. Streamed live atwww.tvnz.co.nz
ends