Westminster City Council Leader, Nickie Aiken, has joined forces with her counterparts in Wandsworth and Kensington & Chelsea in calling for the British Government and the EU Commission to take urgent action to safeguard the rights of EU nationals living in the capital.
In a joint letter the leaders of three central London councils have called on Michel Barnier, the EU’s chief negotiator on Brexit, to explain why no agreement has yet been reached on their status. This follows similar letters and communication each leader has had separately over recent months with the Prime Minister and David Davis, the Secretary of State for Exiting the EU.
Councillor Aiken explains: “Whether you voted for Brexit or not, and 70% of Westminster voted remain, I am very clear that we must do all we can to support all EU nationals living in our city. They have chosen to make their home here, many are bringing up families and play a huge role in our neighbourhoods. They deserve a rapid decision on their future. Having the rights of our London residents agreed as quickly as possible during the negotiations must be a priority.”
As well as lobbying the relevant negotiators involved, Westminster is working with its two fellow local authorities to establish residency and passport advisory services for EU nationals to offer further support and advice. More details will follow shortly.
Tony Devenish, the Conservative GLA member whose West Central constituency covers Westminster, K&C and Hammersmith & Fulham said: “I fully support the campaign my fellow Conservatives have launched. I share their view that EU nationals living here are very much ‘our’ citizens and should be given the reassurance that they can remain in their adopted home safe in the knowledge that their rights are secure.”
