People are not bargaining chips – Solidarity with EU migrants
Full rights for EU nationals in Britain now
On Wednesday 29 March Theresa May will formally began the process of Britain leaving the European Union. This has raised the crucial issue of the rights of EU nationals presently living in Britain and who make a huge contribution to our society.
The government has refused to guarantee these rights, saying it will wait until there is a deal involving British nationals who live in the rest of Europe.
But people are not bargaining chips.
The government’s attitude means terrible insecurity for EU nationals and their families.
We rely on EU nationals. For example:
92,000 work in the social care sector—which has massive staff shortages
55,000 work in the NHS as nurses and doctors
311,000 work in manufacturing
210,000 work in construction
146,000 in education
All EU nationals who have come to live or work or study in Britain should have their rights guaranteed now—full rights, indefinitely.
Anything else means that at least some people will be forcibly removed from Britain, families torn apart, valuable workers lost and there will be even more restrictions on those who are allowed to stay.
Already any EU national applying for proof of residency must now show they have been living and working in Britain for the past five years, providing documents for every occasion they have left Britain in that period, while those who have not been working must reportedly show they took out comprehensive health insurance—a requirement that was little known until recently.
The government’s refusal to grant workers’ rights is already hitting key services. Only 96 nurses joined the NHS from other European nations in December 2016 – a drop from 1,304 in July that year.
This comes at a time when there are 24,000 nurse vacancies unfilled and the government’s withdrawal of bursaries for trainee nurses is making matters worse.
Take action now! Show your solidarity with EU nationals, and if you are an EU national be part of fighting for your future.
However you voted in the EU referendum, Stand Up To Racism urges you to join our campaign to pressure the government to give EU nationals full rights now.
Get involved in the day of action to defend EU migrants next Wednesday 29 March.
Organise mass leafleting of your local station, tube, town centre or at your workplace or college on Wednesday 29 March. Email info@standuptoracism.org.uk for leaflets
On the day in Central London Stand Up To Racism will be doing a banner drop and a speak out with EU migrants at Downing Street at 5.30pm.
Share the Stand Up To Racism facebook event page for the day of action and post information about your local activity on it here
Download a defend EU workers selfie to use at work here
www.standuptoracism.org.uk @antiracismday SUTR Facebook
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