HUNDREDS OF EU NATIONALS IN MEDWAY BEING LEFT IN LEGAL LIMBO
Thousands of EU nationals living in Medway have not been offered permanent residency in the UK, official figures have revealed. The Liberal Democrats have accused the government of leaving local families from the EU in "legal limbo" and throwing people's lives into uncertainty.
Of the 6,690 EU nationals across Medway who have applied for permanent residency, only 3,670 have been offered settled status. 1,820 have been granted pre-settled status, which only gives the temporary right to stay in the UK.
Another 1,180 EU nationals living in Medway have applied for permanent residency but are still waiting for a final decision to be made.
1,040 of the applications for settled status in Medway were for children, i.e. those under 18.
Alan Bullion, Liberal Democrat Candidate for Rainham & Gillingham commented:
"Too many EU nationals in Medway are deeply anxious about their right to stay. Many of them fill vital roles in our health service and our schools. It's disgraceful for the Conservative government to leave them in legal limbo like this.
"Families and children must not be made to live under a cloud of uncertainty any longer.
"The Liberal Democrats will stop Brexit, protect the rights of EU citizens and build a brighter future for our country."
ENDS
Notes to Editors
The latest figures on the EU settlement scheme including by local authority are available here:
https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/eu-settlement-scheme-quarterly-statistics-september-2019
ALAN BULLION
Alan Bullion works in London for a publishing company and commutes from High Brooms station, where he successfully campaigned for a second ticket machine, as well as more capacity and fairer fares for rail and bus travellers. Alan is a former school Governor and pupil of Tunbridge Wells Grammar School for Boys, and is chair of its Alumni society.
Alan has long been active on a number of issues, such as defending recreation and sports facilities against development. Delivering additional school places and keeping social care to support older people.
Alan has focused on issues such as safer streets and 20mph zones, especially around schools and building up care at local hospitals. Alan also is a great believer in life-long learning, having done degrees with the Open University and Southampton as a mature student.