Laura Sharman 28 September 2017

Council leaders call for ‘swift’ safeguarding of EU citizens

The leaders of three London councils have written directly to the EU’s chief negotiator on Brexit, urging him to safeguard the rights of EU citizens living in the capital.

The letter to Michel Barnier also outlines their disappointment that an agreement on the status of EU nationals has not yet been reached.

It has been sent from the Conservative leaders of of Westminster, Kensington and Chelsea, and Wandsworth, who are home to 80,000 EU nationals between them.

The letter states: ‘We were surprised and disappointed that a swift resolution of the issue was not reached over the summer.

‘Based on the conversations we have with our resident EU nationals, your negotiating team’s delay in settling outstanding matters seems unnecessary.

‘We believe that you should be seeking to reassure EU citizens - as they would wish – by reaching agreement with the UK on their status, and we would be grateful if you could act swiftly to allay their concerns and provide them with the certainty that they seek.’

The three councils are establishing residency and passport advisory services for EU citizens living in London.

The letter has been sent from cllr Nickie Aiken, leader of Westminster City Council, cllr Elizabeth Campbell, leader of the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea and cllr Ravi Govindia, leader of Wandsworth Borough Council.

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Director of Public Health

Royal Borough of Greenwich
Up to £131,210
The Public Health department is at the heart of the council’s business. Greenwich, London (Greater)
Recuriter: Royal Borough of Greenwich

Head of Regeneration and Growth

Plymouth City Council
£68,387 - £74,411 (MFS and relocation available, pay award pending)
This is a unique opportunity to lead our award-winning development team and directly deliver hundreds of millions of pounds of projects. Plymouth, Devon
Recuriter: Plymouth City Council

Director of Adult Social Care

Wiltshire Council
£119,390 - £127,137
Join us as the Director of Adult Social Care and make a real difference to people’s lives. Wiltshire
Recuriter: Wiltshire Council

Assistant Director Planning, Performance & Engagement

East Sussex County Council
up to £97,700
With strong local communities, unspoilt countryside and vibrant coastal towns, East Sussex offers an exceptional quality of life to many. East Sussex
Recuriter: East Sussex County Council

Director of Finance & Commerce

Lancashire County Council
Up to £114,339
You will play a critical role in driving the organisation through complex change and innovation. Lancashire
Recuriter: Lancashire County Council
Linkedin Banner