Brexit Blues: Germany to introduce law to protect local British in event of no-deal

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Just over two months until the UK is scheduled to leave the EU and the future of British citizens in the bloc still remains unclear. However, the German government is taking steps to protect British nationals working there. But in a no-deal scenario, will all their rights be guaranteed? CGTN's Guy Henderson reports from Hamburg.

Kittel's of Hamburg, a purveyor of all things quintessentially British. Almost everything in this shop is imported from the UK, says Alex Kittel - the owner. That means trade delays caused by a no deal Brexit could hit business hard.

"And this would be harder to get if there was hard Brexit."

Kittel says it's hard to plan.

ALEX KITTEL, OWNER 'KITTLE'S' BRITISH PRODUCTS STORE "We expect there will be delays in transportation and the costs of transportation will increase. But other than that, we're unsure which guidelines to follow."

In the village of Brunsmark outside Hamburg, Iain Macnab's plans are also in limbo. Macnab is Germany's only British mayor: a job only available to EU citizens. He's stilll unsure when he's supposed to step down.

IAIN MACNAB MAYOR OF BRUNSMARK "I got this official letter I think in January – and it says: when Brexit comes, no matter what the date is, you will no longer be eligible to be a civil servant."

The right to remain at all is still worrying some British expatriates too - despite repeated official assurances that everyone can stay.

ELLIE SELLWOOD BRITS IN HAMBURG GROUP "We don't know if that means 6 months you're ok and after that, you're not. And if you're unemployed here or you're a pensioner on not a lot of money then it's all a little bit scary right now."

Regional officials say they've done what they can.

"Well, Hamburg is well prepared for a Brexit either with a deal or no deal. We informed British citizens living in Hamburg what they have to do if they want to stay in Hamburg. We informed the companies in Hamburg doing business with partners in the UK. So I think we got it covered."

Preparations have also been made at national level.

GUY HENDERSON HAMBURG "There are some 117,000 British citizens registered as living in Germany: that's the third highest in the EU behind France and Spain. So the German government's now prepared this draft legislation aimed at protecting their rights in the event of a no deal Brexit. That doesn't necessarily mean life will be the same as it was before."

Back at the shop, Kittel's stockpiling whatever goods he can. After that all he can do is wait and see what comes.

Guy Henderson, CGTN, Hamburg.