North Thanet MP Sir Roger Gale has urged the Prime Minister to ensure that ex-pats will continue to be able to stay where they live.

The status of ex-pats is unclear after the Brexit vote and there are concerns that their rights to live abroad could be jeopardised when the UK leaves.

Sir Roger raised the issue at today's Prime Minister's Questions, saying:“There are hundreds of thousands of ex-pat citizens around Europe who did not have a vote in the referendum. Many are elderly and frail and are on UK pensions and benefits. Will he [the Prime Minister] ensure that his successor defends their interests?"

Mr Cameron replied: “On this issue of British citizens living overseas, I think we should reassure people that there is no change in their status until we exit the EU.”

He added that the Whitehall unit set up to work out all the ramifications of a Brexit would look at the issue carefully and work out whether a change was needed to provide them with reassurances about their status.

While ex-pats would be unlikely to face threats about losing their property, there may be changes to inheritance and tax laws.

And there are fears that expats might lose their right to free healthcare once the UK does formally leave.