THE SNP have urged the UK Government to automatically grant post- Brexit residence status for EU nationals to prevent a cliff-edge and to stop damage from being inflicted on Scotland’s economy and NHS.
Anne McLaughlin MP has warned that EU citizens could be stripped of their rights overnight – including the right to work, rent and access to health care – on July 1. It could also see Scotland’s NHS, care and hospitality and tourism sectors lose vital workers, putting the country’s economy at risk.
The call comes after a recent report from UK in a Changing Europe echoed the SNP’s concerns over the risks ahead for those who do not apply for settled or pre-settled status by June 30. The academic group, along with the campaign group the3million, is concerned that some who have applied but are still awaiting a decision from the Home Office – including children and the retired – could face difficulties if they cannot prove their status.
The SNP have repeatedly urged the UK Government to implement a declaratory system, scrap the two-tier system and issue physical proof of UK residency to EU nationals to prevent another scandal similar to Windrush. SNP MP Angela Crawley led a Westminster Hall debate on the issue this week, reiterating these calls.
McLaughlin said: “With just under two weeks left until the settled status deadline, I am urging the Prime Minister to take his head out of the sand and wake up to the huge risks that it poses to the EU nationals, who have contributed to our society and helped prop the country up during the global pandemic, and Scotland’s NHS and economy.
“The fundamental concern is access for key sectors to the labour market. Industries such as hospitality and farming are already struggling to recruit as a result of Brexit – this could be compounded if people can’t prove their right to work.
“Employers will understandably be nervous about keeping someone on or employing someone new if they don’t have evidence of their right to work here and so many sectors could find themselves in a worse position come July.
“With so many warning of the dangers of the June 30 deadline, and with so many yet to apply ... it is now incumbent on the UK Government to automatically grant post-Brexit residence status to EU nationals in the UK.”
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