Time is running out for hundreds of EU citizens, says St Albans MP

St Albans MP Daisy Cooper is calling for all EU citizens in the UK to be given the automatic right to stay, as figures reveal that 390 people living in St Albans are still waiting for the Home Office to process their applications.

The government’s deadline for the EU settlement scheme (EUSS) – which guarantees post-Brexit residence is 30 June 30.

The latest EUSS statistics show that, as of the end of March, there have been 9,130 applications from people living in St Albans, but only 8,740 of these have been concluded.

Figures also revealed that 3,150 people in St Albans have only been granted temporary ‘Pre-Settled Status’. In total, 3,540 St Albans applicants have still not been given the permanent right to stay.

Daisy said: “A shocking 390 of our European friends and neighbours in St Albans still don’t know what will happen to them at the end of June.

"They are being forced to cross their fingers and hope the Home Office get to their application in time before this arbitrary deadline passes.

“If their applications aren’t processed in time, they could find themselves facing problems from employers or landlords, being denied bank accounts, having child benefits removed or driving licences cancelled.

“Those EU citizens who have made their lives in St Albans contribute enormously to our economy, our public services and our community. They shouldn’t be forced to live with this uncertainty and anxiety any longer.”