The SNP has warned that the UK government’s shambolic Brexit plans and threat of a no-deal outcome are pushing EEA nationals towards a “Windrush-style” scandal.
At a committee yesterday, Caroline Nokes, the UK Government’s Immigration Minister, stated that in the event of a no-deal Brexit free movement would come to an end in March 2019. However, the comments directly contradict Sajid Javid’s reported plans to retain free movement for a transition period in the event of a no-deal Brexit in order to protect the economy, raising concerns around which plans are true.
The Immigration minister also stated if the UK left the EEA without a deal then the onus will be on employers to carry out the relevant checks over whether or not EEA nationals have the right to work in the UK – despite the fact that the Settled Status scheme is barely under way, and no further plans or preparations have been put in place by the UK government with only five months to go before exit date.
Gavin Newlands, SNP MP for Paisley and Renfrewshire North, said: “The Tory government’s confusing approach to one of the most important issues of our time is a disgrace. EEA and EU nationals need to know if they will be able to stay, or if this Government will push them away in a Windrush-style scandal.
“Paisley and Renfrewshire North, and indeed all of Scotland, has many EEA nationals who contribute massively to our way of life. My party has been clear to them; you are valued, you are welcome, and we want you to stay.
“The Tories are simply putting extra work onto employers, as they will have to carry out checks on whether or not EU nationals have a right to work in the UK. Landlords would have to carry out checks over whether or not EU nationals have a right to rent property. Yet the Minister responsible for Immigration cannot tell them how they would tell the difference between EEA nationals who have the right to apply for settled status, and new arrivals who don’t have the same rights to work and live in here. This could make life very difficult for EEA nationals who came here just to work and build a life.
“Last month it was reported that if a no-deal Brexit was to occur, the UK Government would retain free movement for a period to insulate the economy- however, the Immigration Minister had declared that free movement will ‘end in March’. Giving no time for anyone to prepare.
“Truly the only option is for the UK to retain full free movement until we have absolute clarity on this dreadful situation.