• IT is disgraceful that the government’s European Union settlement scheme now means EU residents will have to pay £65 to apply for settled status to continue living in the country after December 31 2020.

There are 24,000 residents in Camden who were born in EU countries, as well as 36,000 EU citizens who work in our borough who will now have to pay a staggering total of £3.9million just to request to continue to live and work where they are already legally allowed.

These individuals shape our communities and play a vital role within our economy and public services. It is therefore outrageous that those valued citizens who contribute so heavily, both economically and culturally, are going to be unfairly penalised with both this additional expense and a perceived penalty for those who have chosen to build their lives here.

We are determined to ensure that Camden, its residents and businesses receive the best possible deal from Brexit. If Camden, and the rest of the UK, are to leave the EU then we at least want to remain open to the many thousands of people who come from the continent to enrich our lives.

We are directly lobbying the government, as well as working with our public sector and business partners, in order to ensure Camden’s voice is heard, and the rights of our residents are protected.

Our European citizens can get useful information on their democratic rights and access to speedy document checks for citizenship, along with other guidance about Brexit online at: www.camden.gov.uk/Europe

JONATHAN SIMPSON
Cabinet Member for Promoting Culture & Community Services