Responding to the Government’s publication of the
Immigration Bill today, Liberal Democrat Home Affairs
Spokesperson said:
“The immigration system is broken and public confidence is
shattered. But the Conservatives’ plans will make things worse,
not better.
“By ending free movement – which two thirds of Britons want to
keep – they will make it even harder for UK employers to recruit
the workers they need. Who will care for our elderly and
vulnerable people? Who will build the homes we need?
“This Bill fails to deliver on Boris Johnson’s promise to
automatically guarantee the rights of EU citizens living in the
UK before Brexit. Unless the Conservative Government changes
course, thousands of EU citizens will be left effectively
undocumented next year – at risk of eviction, detention and even
deportation.
“Liberal Democrats will continue to fight for the rights of EU
citizens and oppose the Conservatives’ destructive policies. What
we need instead is a fair, effective immigration system that
works for our economy and treats everyone with dignity and
respect.”
ENDS.
Notes to editors
has tabled a separate
Bill to automatically guarantee the rights of EU citizens living
in the UK: the European Citizens’ Rights Bill. [LINK]
According to the latest Eurobarometer survey [LINK], 69% of UK adults are
in favour of “The free movement of EU citizens who can live,
work, study and do business anywhere in the EU”
