Oliver and Local MEP Meet to Reassure Residents Over Brexit and EU Nationals

Oliver and East of England MEP Vicky Ford met in Potters Bar on Friday to discuss Brexit.  They focussed on the rights of EU nationals in the United Kingdom and UK nationals in European Union countries during Brexit negotiations.

Oliver said: “I know people in Hertsmere take a keen interest in Brexit.  Many have raised with me the future of EU nationals in the UK and UK nationals in the EU.   This is an issue that Vicky and I take very seriously and we both agreed that it is a top priority.

Oliver and Vicky Ford also met with Borehamwood resident Mrs Martine Eni, who had contacted them about the rights of EU nationals.

Oliver added: “I want to reassure people that the rights of EU nationals to remain in the UK are protected in our laws and could only be removed with the explicit consent of Parliament through an Act of Parliament.

“As Brexit negotiations get under way later this month I am absolutely sure that this can be resolved very quickly.  British people want to be able to remain in other EU countries and people and EU nationals in the UK want to be able to remain here.

“I’ve also raised this with the Prime Minister.  She is determined to deal with this rapidly and like me is absolutely confident that it is in everyone’s interest to give people complete certainty as soon as we can.”

Vicky Ford added: “It is very clear that this is a top priority for both the UK and the EU negotiators and therefore I am confident that the concerns of EU citizens living in the UK and UK citizens living elsewhere in the EU will be addressed urgently once the negotiations commence. There is strong good will on both sides to find solutions which in my experience of European negotiations makes for a very positive start.”

Following the meeting Oliver also raised the rights of EU nationals with the Home Secretary in Parliament.

He added: “I am glad the Home Secretary agreed with my analysis that the rights of EU nationals are guaranteed in our law and it would require at the very least an Act of Parliament to alter them.  I hope this provides some further reassurance.”