It goes without saying that EU
nationals make an invaluable contribution to our economy, our society, and our
daily lives. I assured them and all concerned that I will continue to represent
them. Every Hexham resident deserves the best possible representation.
I am pleased that the Government
has made it clear that securing the rights of EU nationals will be a genuine
priority. I think it would be great if the EU resolved this speedily, as they
have indicated, now that Article 50 has been triggered.
The discussions ahead that the
Government has with the European Union to agree the arrangements for the UK’s
exit will undoubtedly reflect the immense contribution made by EU citizens to
our economy, our NHS, our schools, and in so many other ways too. However, I am
aware that the discussions must also secure the interests of the 1.2 million
British citizens who live and work elsewhere in the EU.
One thing is clear, however –
that it is in the best interests of all for this issue to be sorted as quickly
as possible. In the meantime, until exit negotiations are concluded, the UK
remains a full member of the European Union and all the rights and obligations
of EU membership remain in force.
Below, I have compiled a list of
links that I hope you will find useful if you have any further questions on
this matter:
Status of EU nationals in the UK
> General website: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/status-of-eu-nationals-in-the-uk-what-you-need-to-know
UK Visa information for European Nationals
Latest HoC briefing paper on EU nationals currently
exercising their free-movement rights and living in the UK
My blog post from February on this topic
On 5 March 2017, the cross-party parliamentary House of
Commons committee on Exiting the European Union published a report called The
Government’s negotiating objectives: the rights of UK and EU citizens (https://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm201617/cmselect/cmexeu/1071/1071.pdf),
which outlined a series of recommendations as to how the rights of EU nationals
living in the UK could be guaranteed as soon as possible. This is a promising
first step.
Prime Minister Theresa May’s comments in the House of
Commons
Home Sec’s Dear Colleague letter 6 Feb 17
Home Office response to a Written Question
Prime Minister Theresa May’s Letter to President of the
European Council Donald Tusk
Brexit Timeline
Meanwhile, if you are a Brit living or travelling in the EU,
then the website you’ll need is:
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/advice-for-british-nationals-travelling-and-living-in-Europe
Lastly, you can sign up for email updates on this topic here:
https://gov.smartwebportal.co.uk/homeoffice/public/webform.asp?id=67&id2=627DF7
Lastly, you can sign up for email updates on this topic here:
https://gov.smartwebportal.co.uk/homeoffice/public/webform.asp?id=67&id2=627DF7