David HollandWell, in reality, it's the British who uniquely and consistently distinguish themselves from everybody else, particularly "Europeans" as it's been fashionable to do in the iast decade or so. And that's rather understandable. In its insular, isolationist view, it's only natural to think of oneself as "us" while "the others" are "them". It's been a theme for decades. It's nothing new. Especially in British politics, which drives British media, and hence enhances that view amongst the population. Also, the natural presumption in such a bubble is that it is the center of all things because that's all that's in view. And the nostalgia of once having been the center of all things only enhances that view. Or provides the nostalgia anyway. And that explains why even you presume that your neighbours are of some lesser value, and are dependent on you. We see that kind of (thinly veiled) narrative often, and even here. But I'd argue it's simply because in that insularity, it's the only thing you really can know "for sure". Even if it's a bubble mentality having little to do with reality. Again, I believe it's a cultural difference. Europeans have necessarily (and in no small part due to the Union) become largely comfortable with each other, trade freely, speak multiple languages, use the same currency, and as Brexit has testified to, the EU, while imperfect in many ways, gives them benefits and scale that today, they don't feel they'd ever want to be without. The EU's popularity is at an all time high, post Brexit. Outside observers are highly likely to fully understand what I'm talking about. It would be difficult to see that from inside the insularity of Britain. Because, well, everything is English as far as you can see. The others are struggling to catch up. And that's comforting to know.

Ulla, squillions. Can't give it away i'm so rich. Good looking too.

Morgan WilliamsMorgan you seem to equate Europe and the European Union as the the same which it is not. The effects of the general inflation spike and energy cost spike will hit all of Europe, some more than others. Norway will probably do quite well out of it actually. The economies of Europe have been interdependent for centuries. Examples the east coast of England and the Hanseatic Baltic regions. Balkan area and Near East. The interdependence of now is a result of trading agreements true but also local and global supply chain optimisation. Spain has excellent conditions for holiday industry, U.K. has aligned to financial services. Germany higher value manufactured goods. So what affects one in that supply chain affects all. Most disposable incomes in the mid income groups will be reduced in real terms by estimates ranging from 5% to 7% . Lower incomes considerably more. Some maybe lucky and get inflation matched income raises. But many will not. The fate of the euro will be political will . The prospect of that currency break up is not worth contemplating. The financial crisis on steroids doesn’t come near the affects of that one. Economically we are all in the same world of suppliers and consumers. What affects one effects all.

David HollandWell, David, that wishful thinking has been around for decades. If it's not the imminent breakup of the EU, it's the imminent collapse of the Euro. The world's 2nd most widely held currency. And if course, we're all impoverished over here in foreigner land. But that's why we're utterly dependent on Britain, the world's richest and most powerful little island off the coast of Europe. But ok, if you makes you feel superior. Just be aware that it doesn't go unnoticed. And it will come back to you.

SaraObviously the usual non story but widely spread. Producing the usual anti Brit rants. And corresponding return wind up. Never fails. But seriously next year will be more challenging than the question can you afford to be here. It will be more i am here because I can afford to be here. And around Europe that May be a much reduced cohort.

Well these comments have certainly diverged from the original topic but the MDB will be delighted that there are so many to boost their ad revenue. Unfortunately that might mean they publish more of this rubbish (I refer to the original article) and ignore my request in the very first comment of all.

Andy WalkerHow rich?

Ok, well, back to reality. This stuff is no more than sensationalised fury and outrage over something that isn't new, isn't about Britain, and is the very same as what Britain can require from non-british arrivals at its borders. This, along with the many other nonsensical fury and outrage narratives emulating from that side of the channel in past decades speaks volumes about Britain. Loudly. And it's not as if nobody notices. Except Brits. What does that suggest to you?

Zoltan TeglasMean average full time salary is £38k . Yes that’s influenced by some very well paid city boys, doctors, lawyers and engineers and many other professionals. Building trade guys average a grand a week, at least the good ones round here do. Spain has the same professional groups as do most of western European countries. Sure finance services sector in the U.K. is large . But most employed are normal professional salaried employees. £50k to £100k. Range. Like wise national minimum wage workers receive full time £360 to £400 plus bonus, overtime, shift allowance. Etc.

Morgan WilliamsYour right a million ain’t what it used to be. Being successful is a character trait . Expressed in numerous ways in many cultures. My experience as a young un in Japan coloured my character as what successful is, so I have a hybrid Anglo American Japanese slew to my nature . Which turns out to be a bit like the German you describe or maybe just northern working class reserve. Anyway there’s nothing wrong being comfortably wealthy . Beats the shit out of the alternative. True some British can be rather flash , as can yanks and Italians and French. Yes I’ve been in some modest Mallorca houses , yes wow. Old , classy and perfectly formed. Modest quality in expensive sort of way. My only knowledge of son Vida is the road sign into Palma. I like the north west and west of the island. Quiet life for me. With a little treat now and then for spice. Traveling and working the world Far East , America, Europe and Africa, I’ve found most people are not so different, just want to be left alone to get on with their lives and be left in peace. Unfortunately politics gets in the way of that. Anyway my next adventure is a return to Berlin, in December got our vip tickets to the new show at the Palast . See if I get mistaken for a German again at the Regent. Usually do.