Political parties plans for EU citizens in the UK ahead of the General Election
The upcoming general election could significantly impact EU citizens’ lives in the UK. Each party’s stance on immigration, EU relations, and civic rights will affect their residency, work, and social conditions.
A s the general election looms, The3million, an organisation representing European citizens in the UK, has meticulously analysed the promises made by the main political parties, ranging from immigration reforms to rejoining the EU, dissecting their proposals and the potential impact on the lives of EU nationals residing in the UK.
— Green Party Manifesto.
Green Party’s Pro-European Vision
The Green Party’s manifesto stands out for its unequivocal pro-European stance. Green MPs aim to rejoin the EU at the earliest possible opportunity, contingent on favourable domestic political conditions and the willingness of EU member states. As an interim measure, they propose joining the Customs Union, which they believe will alleviate many post-Brexit issues.
“The Green Party is pro-European, and proudly so. We opposed UK withdrawal from the EU, and believe that Britain would be better off politically, socially, environmentally and economically had we maintained our EU membership. A united international response to global issues is needed now more than ever. Full membership of the EU remains the best option for the UK.”
Their manifesto also highlights the desire to re-establish the free movement of people, enabling reciprocal work rights for both UK and EU citizens. This move is complemented by a commitment to rejoin the Erasmus Programme, thereby reinstating opportunities for students to study across Europe.
A key aspect of their pledge is the abolition of the No Recourse to Public Funds condition, which they argue exacerbates social and economic inequalities. Green MPs would also campaign to simplify the visa application process and ensure that all visa-holding residents have the right to vote in all elections and referendums. They emphasise, “We believe that migration is not a criminal offence under any circumstances and that there should be an end to immigration detention for all migrants unless they are a danger to public safety.”
— Liberal Democrats Manifesto.
Liberal Democrats’ Inclusive Approach
The Liberal Democrats’ manifesto promises to extend full participation in civic life to all EU citizens with settled status. This includes the right to stand for office and vote in all elections, including referendums.
“Full participation in civic life, including the ability to stand for office or vote in UK referendums, local elections and general elections, to all EU citizens with settled status, and to anyone else who has lived in the UK for at least five years and has the right to stay permanently.”
They advocate for the expansion of the Youth Mobility Scheme, proposing to negotiate with the EU to extend it reciprocally, increase the age limit from 30 to 35, abolish visa fees, and extend visa lengths from two to three years.
A significant pledge from the Liberal Democrats is to end the Conservative government’s Hostile Environment policies, redirecting efforts to combat smuggling, trafficking, and modern slavery. They plan to reverse the income threshold increases for family visas, thereby preventing the separation of families. Furthermore, they propose automatic granting of full Settled Status to those with Pre-Settled Status and finally giving them physical proof of their right to stay, which the Home Office under the consecutive Conservative governments has always refused to do.
“Protect the rights of EU citizens and their families in the UK by automatically granting full Settled Status to all those with Pre-Settled Status, providing them with physical proof of their right to stay.”
Their manifesto also includes a commitment to overhaul the Immigration Rules to make them simpler and fairer, ensuring greater parliamentary scrutiny of future changes. The party promises to repeal the discriminatory ‘Right to Rent’ scheme and establish a firewall to prevent public agencies from sharing personal information with the Home Office for immigration enforcement purposes.
— Labour Party Manifesto.
Labour’s Balanced Immigration Plan
Labour’s manifesto acknowledges the significant contributions of EU citizens to the UK’s economy but stresses the need for a balanced and controlled immigration system. They propose to reform the points-based immigration system to ensure it is fair and well-managed, with appropriate visa restrictions. Labour aims to reduce net migration, addressing skills shortages domestically and reducing dependency on foreign workers.
“People who have come to the UK to work make a substantial contribution to our economy, our public services, and our communities.”
Labour promises to reform immigration policies and implement workforce and training plans to end the long-term reliance on overseas workers in sectors such as health and social care.
“Labour will not tolerate employers or recruitment agencies abusing the visa system. And we will not stand for breaches of employment law. Employers who flout the rules will be barred from hiring workers from abroad.
“The days of a sector languishing endlessly on immigration shortage lists with no action to train up workers will come to an end.”
They also vow to improve the UK’s trade and investment relationship with the EU, negotiate a veterinary agreement to prevent unnecessary border checks and secure mutual recognition of professional qualifications.
Despite their commitment to remain outside the EU, “With Labour, Britain will stay outside of the EU. But to seize the opportunities ahead, we must make Brexit work”, Labour emphasises the need to reset and deepen ties with Europe. “There will be no return to the single market, the customs union, or freedom of movement,” they state, focusing instead on improving trade relations and addressing Brexit-related challenges.
— Conservative Party Manifesto.
Conservatives’ Stringent Immigration Measures
The Conservative Party’s manifesto outlines a stringent approach to immigration, aiming to attract high-skilled migrants while reducing overall numbers. They claim to have already implemented measures to limit the eligibility of international students and care workers to bring dependants and increased the salary threshold for Skilled Worker visas.
“We have already implemented changes which mean that 300,000 people who were eligible to come to the UK last year now couldn’t.”
The Conservatives propose further raising the Skilled Worker threshold and Family income requirement in line with inflation and requiring migrants to pay increased Immigration Health Surcharges or obtain health insurance.
They emphasise the importance of migrants integrating into communities and contributing to the economy, stating, “We want to make sure our immigration system is fair and will continue delivering the Windrush Compensation Scheme.”
The Conservatives pledge to maintain EU citizens’ rights under the EU Settled Status Scheme.
“We are committed to the EU Settled Status Scheme and the rights it has guaranteed for EU citizens.”
— SNP Manifesto.
SNP’s Independence and EU Rejoining Goals
The Scottish National Party (SNP) presents a vision of an independent Scotland within the EU. They advocate for rejoining the EU, reversing Brexit’s damage, and restoring free movement for EU citizens.
“We will champion our vision for an independent Scotland in the EU, offering Scotland the opportunity to regain what has been lost as a result of a hard Brexit and harness the opportunities that independence would provide.”
The SNP also proposes a bespoke migration system for Scotland, addressing specific demographic and economic needs, and a rural visa pilot scheme to mitigate labour shortages resulting from Brexit.
The SNP manifesto calls for a review of immigration rules to expand shortage occupation lists and improve productivity. They also propose reforming the voting system, extending voting rights to 16-year-olds, and granting eligibility to all residents, including international students and those with refugee status.
A Crucial Decision for EU Citizens
As the general election approaches, the pledges made by the political parties will significantly influence the future of EU citizens in the UK. From the Green Party’s pro-European stance to the Conservative Party’s stringent immigration measures, each party offers a distinct vision. Naturalised EU citizens eligible to vote on 4 July must carefully weigh these pledges and their potential impact on their lives and their families.
GOING FURTHER
General Election manifestos compared: Europe, EU citizens’ rights and the hostile environment | The3million
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