Leaving the European Union will result in numerous changes, particularly concerning immigration and free movement regulations.
Many EU citizens who have made their homes in the UK, as well as British citizens living in EU countries, are understandably anxious about their future status. While the Prime Minister has stated that there will be no immediate changes, this may not have been entirely reassuring.
These concerns also extend to British businesses and public services that employ EU nationals. They fear disruption to their workforce retroactively, which is especially unwelcome during times of uncertainty.
We urge the Government, opposition parties, and all candidates vying to be the next Conservative Party leader and Prime Minister to issue a clear and unconditional statement welcoming EU migrants currently residing in the UK. The proposed changes should only apply to future migrants. The official Vote Leave campaign made a firm commitment to protect the status of EU migrants, and it is vital that this commitment is honored.
By adopting this policy, the UK will be in a strong position to seek a reciprocal commitment from other EU member states guaranteeing the rights of EU citizens in the UK and UK nationals in other EU countries to continue living and working in those countries. This approach is principled, practical, and legally sound. Research supports this approach, indicating a strong consensus among both Remain and Leave voters.
Moreover, it would send a clear message to the extreme minority of individuals who believe they have the right to attack and harass migrants that their views are repugnant and unwelcome in our society.
Daniel Hannan MEP (Con)
Gisela Stuart MP (Lab)
Douglas Carswell MP (Ukip)
Yvette Cooper MP (Lab)
Peter Lilley MP (Con)
Simon Walker
Director, Institute of Directors
Frances O’Grady
General Secretary, TUC
Matthew Elliott
Chief Executive, Vote Leave
Julian David
CEO, techUK
Ian Wright CBE
Director-General, Food and Drink Federation
Professor Sir Cary Cooper
President, Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development
Peter Cheese
Chief Executive, Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development
Nicola Dandridge
Chief Executive, Universities UK
Ufi Ibrahim
Chief Executive, British Hospitality Association
Carol Paris
Chief Executive, Horticultural Trades Association
Sam Bowman
Executive Director, Adam Smith Institute
Roland White
Fellow, Adam Smith Institute
Ryan Shorthouse
Director, Bright Blue
Sunder Katwala
Director, British Future
Tom Kibasi
Director, IPPR
Alp Mehmet
Vice-Chair, Migration Watch
Stephen Booth
Co-Director, Open Europe
David Goodhart
Policy Exchange
Toby Young
Nazek Ramadan
Migrant Voice
Mark Stears
New Economics Foundation
Professor Catherine Barnard
University of Cambridge
Professor Tamara Harvey
University of Sheffield
Professor Simon Hix
London School of Economics and Political Science
Professor Anand Menon
King’s College, London
Professor Steve Peers
University of Essex
Jonathan Portes
Senior Research Fellow, National Institute of Economic and Social Research
Professor Jo Shaw
Edinburgh Law School
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