Wera: Government’s Treatment Of EU Citizens Appalling

13 September 2019

Wera has been outspoken in her criticism of the government’s treatment of EU citizens in this country.

She said “While I am of course very pleased that my constituent Richard Bertinet has been granted settled status, this came only after he was subjected to undo stress by the Home Office.

Having lived in this country for 31 years, Richard Bertinet is a well-known Bath baker and entrepreneur whose case generated considerable media interest.

What about the more than three million EU citizens residing in this country - contributing to our society and paying taxes - who do not have Richard's high profile? What message does this and other cases send them about the ease of applying for settled status and the likelihood of receiving it?

I wrote to the Home Secretary to register the depth of my concern and to seek assurances that the system will be fixed. No one should have to go through the ordeal of being told that their status in this country is temporary and insecure.”