A SCOTTISH pro-EU group is urging MPs to push the Home Office to reverse a rule change making it more difficult for EU nationals living in the UK to gain British citizenship.

The European Movement of Scotland (EMS) said EU citizens could be “deterred” from seeking British nationality following the changes made in May.

EU nationals may now have to pay for “comprehensive sickness insurance” (CSI) for the duration of their time in the UK, meaning those already living here – in some cases for decades – face a fresh five-year wait before they can apply for citizenship. National Insurance contributions do not count.

The EMS is urging all MPs in Scotland to contact Home Secretary Priti Patel to ask her to reconsider and is supporting EU citizens in their campaign to get the rule change reversed.

The organisation says those from other European countries living in the UK for more than five years could previously secure British citizenship with relative ease. The EMS says the Brexit vote prompted more EU nationals to apply for citizenship.

It is calling for EU nationals to be given the same rights to citizenship as those offered to three million British “overseas” citizens in Hong Kong, amid political unrest there.

Chairman Mark Lazarowicz said: “The change will mean many EU citizens residing in the UK who had decided they wished to make the commitment of acquiring British citizenship will be deterred from doing so at this stage.

“Many of them have spent decades in the UK, perhaps almost their entire lives. They will have paid taxes and made a contribution to our community.

“If, after so many years, they wish to become British citizens, they should be encouraged to do so and not have new obstacles put in their way.”

Making the comparison with Hong Kong, Lazarowicz added: “It is surely right that EU citizens who have made their home in the UK for many years should be made equally welcome.”

German national Larissa Slaney (pictured) lives in Fife with her husband and two children. The life scientist has been in the UK for more than 27 years.

She said: “Many EU citizens who have made their home in the UK decided after Brexit that they wanted to apply for UK nationality. It is the only way to escape the uncertainties Brexit has caused for us. Many of us have British spousesand children and want to ensure our right to stay here beyond doubt and without having to worry aboutour rights.

“The CSI rule in itself is questionable and the fact that voluntary national insurance contributions are not accepted makes no sense.

“But to apply a rule in retrospect to applications pending, for which people have paid a non-refundable fee of £1349.20 – plus fees for language and Life in the UK tests – in good faith is completely unacceptable.”

 

A Home Office spokesperson said: “More than 3.4 million people have guaranteed their rights through the free and straightforward EU Settlement Scheme.

“If someone wishes to make an application for citizenship, they are very welcome to do so, although all EEA nationals can secure their long-term status in the UK for free through the EUSS and there is no need for them to apply for British citizenship.

“The requirements for citizenship are not new and caseworkers are able to use their discretion in certain areas, including when applicants did not hold Comprehensive Sickness Insurance.”