What next for Brexit Brits abroad? Lords Committee write to Michael Gove to seek assurances
The House of Lords EU Justice Committee has today written to Michael Gove, Chancellor of the Dutchy of Lancaster, to seek assurances about the rights of UK citizens living in the EU.
The letter, sent by Committee Chair Lord Morris recognises that the UK's own settlement scheme for EU nationals in the UK is progressing well but raises concerns about the fate of the 1.3m Brits currently living in the 27 EU Member States. The Committee have asked Mr Gove to provide an up to date assessment of the arrangements that have been made for UK citizens' in each Member State, regarding registration; health and social security rights and voting rights.
The Committee has also asked for details of the impact of the Government's scheme introduced in 2019 to support vulnerable people with registering in their country of residence.
The Committee are particularly keen that the Government clarify the position for UK nationals livening in Spain, France, Germany, Italy and the Netherlands, the EU countries with the largest number of resident UK nationals.
Commenting Lord Morris said:
“Despite Brexit now being ‘done' UK nationals living in the EU are still not clear on what their rights will be by the end of this year. Many of them have lived abroad for many years but cannot plan their future with certainty as the Government has not provided an detailed analysis of what the position will be after the transition period ends.
“We are asking the Government to update us, and the British expatriates throughout the EU on the latest position and what more they can do to support UK national at this difficult and uncertain time.”
