Commons backs Burnham call on Government over status of EU nationals
The Government must give EU nationals living in the UK the right to remain, MPs have said today.
This afternoon, the Commons passed overwhelmingly a Labour motion that also ruled out their use as ‘bargaining chips’ in Brexit talks.
The debate saw Conservative MPs join Labour and other parties in criticising the Government’s refusal to reassure EU citizens in the UK.
Theresa May sparked the row on Sunday when she admitted she will use the EU nationals as part of ‘negotiations’. She alarmed EU citizens further by saying ‘nobody necessarily stays anywhere forever’.
Home Office Minister James Brokenshire added it would be ‘unwise’ to give immediate assurance before European Governments pledged the same for UK nationals across Europe.
Andy Burnham MP, Labour’s Shadow Home Secretary, responding to the Commons vote, said:
“The House of Commons has sent an overwhelming message of support tonight to EU nationals that they are valued members of our society and welcome to stay.
“Today’s debate exposed the weakness of the Government’s position. MPs firmly rejected Theresa May’s decision to link the status of EU nationals with British nationals living elsewhere in Europe.
“Speaker after speaker said it could only strengthen the status of British nationals abroad if the UK made a clear and quick decision about the status of EU nationals here.
“It was disappointing that someone who is seeking to lead our nation failed to turn up to the debate and provide the leadership that the country is currently crying out for.
“This vote was a victory for common sense and decency. With this emphatic result, it is impossible to see how the Government can now reverse what is the clear will of the House of Commons. Theresa May should accept the decision of the House and confirm the legal status of EU nationals without delay.”
(via labourpress)
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