Expat Brits react as shock seat losses in general election put Conservatives under pressure

Beccy Grigson says she did not vote in the British election but the situation in the United Kingdom with Brexit was crazy. Photo/Andrew Warner.

British Prime Minister Theresa May is under fire and facing criticism after the Conservatives' dismal performance at the polling booth.

Last week the hung Parliament left her eight seats short of an overall majority with negotiations under way to form a minority Government with the support of Northern Ireland's Democratic Unionist Party.

Expat Britons in Tauranga said ongoing terrorist attacks and the Brexit saga were major concerns.

Beccy Grigson, who was orginially from Winchester in Hampshire, said she did not vote because the whole thing with Brexit was ''completely crazy ''.

''If my dad was alive today he'd have a fit. I also think if Theresa May goes out that will be good.''

The English Pantry owner had been in New Zealand for 11 years and said Tauranga was a great place to bring up a family.

''I think it's blurry with what is happening in the UK and there does not seem to be any stability in that country any more. It's also really scary with the terrorist attacks going on there at the moment.

''It is a much safer here than in England.''

Phil Mosscrop, 25, an expat from Devon, said he was pleased Labour had done well in the election but was disappointed there would be a Conservative Government.

"I'm not a fan of the hard Brexit stance Theresa May appears to want to push through.

"I can't see that stance being moderated by the DUP as they supported Brexit," the horticultural engineer living in the Mount said.

Mr Mosscrop said he also did not agree with most of the Conservatives' current domestic policies, particularly to do with personal freedom and human rights, such as their policies on internet privacy.

"They push things through in the name of anti-terrorism but the policies just curb citizens' freedom.

"What's really terrible is the DUP's anti-gay marriage position and one politician actually wanted creationism back in schools, so I hope they don't sway the Tories too strongly."

Mr Mosscrop voted Liberal Democrats but his constituency was a safe Conservative seat.

Celebrity chef Peter Blakeway said he left England 15 years ago and has a deeper understanding of New Zealand politics.

''Politics of the north Atlantic are something I left behind. The present and the future of New Zealand is more important to me now.''

But the terrorist attack in London was a shock.

''I used to live in London so that horrified me''.