This week will again be a significant time in Parliament as we will once again be considering the way forward for delivering on the decision of the EU referendum and leaving the EU.
I have previously made my position on this issue clear in this column, and as votes will be taking place on Tuesday evening, which falls after the print deadline for the paper, I will await the outcome of events this week and if appropriate comment on them in the paper next week.
However, there were some significant developments on the UK’s preparations for leaving the EU last week with the launch of the EU Citizens Settled Status Scheme, which opened for registration last Wednesday.
This scheme allows EU citizens who currently live and work in the UK to register to remain here. It represents a generous offer to EU citizens and is an important step towards guaranteeing their legal rights after we leave the EU, deal or no deal.
It is important that we send a clear message to all EU citizens currently resident in the UK: you are welcome to stay and we want you to stay.
In Cornwall, EU citizens contribute to many of our industries, from tourism to agriculture as well working in the public sector such as the NHS. I was therefore pleased last week to add my name to an open letter from the Cornwall Leadership Board to all EU citizens in Cornwall that we want them to know they are welcome to stay.
This scheme will enable them to continue making these important contributions to our economy while allowing the Government to respect the results of the 2016 referendum by taking back control of our immigration policy.
The scheme is open to all EU citizens and their family members currently residing in the UK subject to certain criteria.
The Home Office has promised a fast and straightforward online application process.
The original fee of the scheme was set to at £65 per application, with a reduced fee of £32.50 for under-16s. However following discussions with stakeholders the Government has announced that the application fee will be waived so that there is no financial barrier for any EU nationals who wish to stay.
If any St Austell and Newquay residents or employers have any questions regarding their application for Settled Status, they are welcome to get in touch with my office via the details below and I will be more than happy to do my best to assist them.
I am pleased that the government have taken this important step, in good time ahead of us leaving the EU, and that whatever happens in the coming weeks EU citizens can easily secure their right to remain and continue to contribute to our communities and local economy.
My team and I are here to serve the whole constituency and work hard to make a real difference to the lives of everyone needing support. The office is open to the public Monday – Friday 10.00am – 4.00pm (no appointment necessary). If there is an issue you would like my assistance on then please, either visit the office or contact me on either 01726 829379 or office@stevedouble.org.uk. Additionally, I hold regular, appointment only, advice surgeries across the constituency. Dates of these can be found at: www.stevedouble.org.uk/events
