Labour forces Commons vote to end uncertainty for EU nationals
Andy Burnham.
Excellent work by Andy Burnham, showing that – even with mutiny in its ranks – Labour remains a powerful political force.
This may also put the Conservatives on the back foot as they are split over this issue.
Labour will force a vote in Parliament tomorrow (Wednesday) calling on the Government to allow EU citizens currently living in the UK permission to remain.
The debate comes amidst rising concern over the status of more than three million nationals from other EU states following Britain’s withdrawal from the European Union. Shadow Home Secretary Andy Burnham will call on Ministers to put an end to the uncertainty.
On Sunday, the Home Secretary admitted she intends to use the EU nationals as part of ‘negotiations’. She alarmed EU citizens further by saying ‘nobody necessarily stays anywhere forever’.
During an Urgent Question in the Commons on Monday, Home Office Minister James Brokenshire said it would be ‘unwise’ to give immediate assurance before European Governments pledged the same for UK nationals across Europe.
Last night, at a hustings for the Conservative leadership, Theresa May added that she ‘hoped’ EU residents would be able to remain.
Theresa May is expected to respond to the Shadow Home Secretary in Wednesday’s debate, before all Tory leadership candidates will be forced to declare their position during a Commons vote.
Labour’s motion calls for the Government to allow EU citizens, residing lawfully in the UK prior to the EU Referendum, the right to stay and explicitly rules out their use as ‘bargaining chips’.
Andy Burnham MP, Labour’s Shadow Home Secretary, said:
“It is simply not good enough for the Home Secretary to say that she ‘hopes’ EU nationals will be allowed to stay. These are people who have put down roots here, with children, families, caring responsibilities, who pay taxes and contribute to our economy and society. They deserve much better than being used by the Government as bargaining chips.
“Having opened up question, it is essential that the Home Secretary puts her leadership campaign on hold and comes to the House. It was clear from yesterday’s debate that she does not have the support of Tory MPs on this matter. She should listen to them, to the millions of people worried about the future and remove the uncertainty now.”
Source: Labour Press — Labour forces Commons vote to end uncertainty for…
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making the blairites look good ouch
How?
Nice to see such a positive move, which will should make the Tory leadership contender “put up or shut up.” I also reminds people that the Tories are still very much the nasty party.
Where Has the PM sculked off too?
It’s obvious under May it isn’t just the “nasty party”, it’ll be neo-Fascism. All those Brits that have retired to Spain could be facing bankruptcy because should May be stupid enough to carry out her forced repatriation, the rest of the EU will reciprocate and do the same.
Opposition day motions aren’t binding. EU/UK status will be subject to Brexit negotiation once it starts
No, Opposition Day motions aren’t binding. But this will be a good indicator of the strength of feeling on the subject across the house and may be used as a guide by any future negotiator.
I watched the whole of the debate. Burnham was brill. Many of those who spoke in the debate told heartfelt stories of how their constituents were worried for themselves and their families, not knowing if they would be told to leave Britain. They also recounted tales of hateful incidents they have encountered since our decision to leave the EU. The longer the government takes to state that all those people who came here before 23rd June would be welcomed to stay here as citizens, the more of the hateful criminal racist actions by some people will continue. The government MUST tell these people they can stay NOW! They should not be used as pawns in any EU decision regarding those who have left these shores to live in the EU, but wish to remain there. I am thoroughly ashamed to admit I am British.