Greer says announcement by Prime Minister on EU citizens living in the UK is "mean-spirited"
Ross Greer MSP, External Affairs spokesperson for the Scottish Greens, said today's announcement by the Prime Minister on EU citizens living in the UK is "mean-spirited".
Under the plan, EU nationals who have lived in the UK for five years will be granted "settled status". Those who come after a yet-to-be-agreed cut-off date will be given two years to "regularise their status".
Ross Greer MSP said:
“Theresa May’s announcement continues the uncertainty for people from elsewhere in Europe who choose to live and work here. Depending how late the cut-off date is, we will see many people who have arrived since Article 50 was trigged in March not being allowed to stay and facing deportation.
“This miserly approach to migration is also revealed in the proposal to extend to EU nationals the rules that currently apply to UK nationals with a foreign partner, so that if they want to bring a partner over then they must earn a minimum of £18,600 or £22,400 if they have a child. The Supreme Court has already said these rules don’t take proper account of the duty to safeguard and promote the welfare of children.
“The Tories seem to be sticking to an isolationist, mean-spirited approach, and Labour have failed to provide an effective opposition. Migration is vital for our economy and public services, and Scotland should have a choice to provide stronger protections for those who choose to move here.”