Dear fellow EU citizen,
A message from our co-founder Nicolas Hatton
Tomorrow, the UK votes in another General Election, mostly without us. Yet, some of the language used by right-wing politicians has been divisive and xenophobic, linking EU migration to crime and terrorism.
We are a non-partisan organisation, and we praise the inclusive policies from all parties but we will always denounce hatred and xenophobia, wherever it comes from.
On Sunday, Boris Johnson, leader of the Conservative Party, told Sophy Ridge of Sky News we have been treating the UK as our home for too long.
Today, I co-wrote a letter with Fizza Qureshi and Jilna Shah of Migrant Rights Network asking for an apology. The letter was also signed by 27 civil society organisations from across the UK.
You can read the full letter below.
if you too believe the PM must apologise, please sign this petition on change.org
The UK is our home, full stop!
European regards,
Nicolas
Nicolas Hatton, CEO and co-founder of the3million, the EU citizens' group
We have launched a Christmas appeal to fundraise for our legal team. This team is currently only manned by volunteers but we need to establish the team securely, so the rule of law is respected for the rights of EU citizens in 2020 and beyond. https://www.the3million.org.uk/christmas-appeal
Letter to Boris Johnson
This letter was sent today to Boris Johnson and published in the Indepedent newspaper.
Dear Prime Minister,
We believe in the British values of inclusion, equality and respect, and we write to you as parties concerned. We are deeply disappointed that the tone of your campaign in this General Election has moved onto scapegoating migrants living in the UK.
On 8 December, in an interview with Sophy Ridge on Sunday, you made a statement that EU citizens have been able to "treat the UK as if it's part of their own country" for too long.
This statement insinuated that EU citizens and other migrants have overstayed their welcome, and vilified them for making the UK their home, just like some UK nationals make other EU countries their home.
Only a few weeks ago, you had called EU citizens "friends, family and neighbours" and praised them for their contributions to our country. It is not difficult to demonstrate how positively people from around the world who have made this country their home have benefited the UK economically, but more importantly, how they have enhanced our culture and society.
With Brexit on the horizon, this should be a turning point in how we welcome migrants into this country, especially if we want to continue to be a thriving society.
We are, unfortunately, all too familiar with the rise in hate crimes since the EU referendum because of the negative rhetoric on immigration. Therefore, in an era of polarisation, we would like you to realise the weight your words have — words and language matter.
They matter significantly when uttered by politicians but even more so when the current Prime Minister brazenly says them on a world stage. All politicians should be building a UK where everyone feels safe and respected, not being sacrificed for political gain.
EU citizens and migrants are interwoven in the fabric of our society, and they will continue to be so regardless of the outcome of this election and post-Brexit.
We are therefore seeking an apology for your comments and urge you not to scapegoat EU citizens and migrants now, or in the future.
Signatories:
Fizza Qureshi & Jilna Shah, co-CEO of Migrant Rights Network
Nicolas Hatton, CEO of the3million
Andy Gregg, CEO of Race on The Agenda
Anna Jones, Co-founder of RefuAid!
Beth Wilson, Director of Bristol Refugee Rights
Celia Clarke, Director of Bail for Immigration Detainees
Christiane Link, Founder and Chair for Disire
Denise McDowell, CEO for Greater Manchester Immigration Aid Unit
Dr Edie Friedman, Executive Director for The Jewish Council for Racial Equality (JCORE)
Fernanda Correia-Sefzick, Founder and Director for Respeito (NGO fighting against domestic abuse)
Hazel Williams, National Director for NACCOM (the No Accommodation Network)
Helen Stalford, Professor of Law and Director of the European Children’s Rights Unit
Jabeer Butt, OBE for Chief Executive, Race Equality Foundation
James Tullett, CEO for Refugee and Migrant Forum of Essex and London (RAMFEL)
Julie Bishop, Director for Law Centres Network
Kate Smart, Director for Asylum Welcome
Maya Esslemont, Director for After Exploitation
Nick Dearden, Director for Global Justice Now
Nick Lowles, CEO for HOPE not hate
Omar Khan, Director for Runnymede Trust
Patrick Vernon OBE for Patron of Sante and Windrush campaigner
Patrick Yu, Secretary for Northern Ireland Council for Racial Equality (NICRE)
Qadeer Kiani, Chair, Arhag Housing Association Ros Ereira, Solidarity with Refugees
Dr Ruvi Ziegler, Chair for New Europeans UK
Sabir Zazai, CEO for Scottish Refugee Council Sainga
Tony, Director of Olmec
Satbir Singh, Chief Executive for Joint Council for the Welfare of Immigrants
Sylvia Ingmire, CEO for Roma Support Group
Tamsyn Brewster, Co-Founder for RefuAid
Wayne Myslik, Chief Executive for Consonant
Essential tweets
In the news
Boris Johnson urged to apologise for 'scapegoating migrants' after saying EU citizens should not ‘treat UK as their own’
source: The Independent
Campaigners attack Boris Johnson for EU nationals remarks
source: The Guardian
Applying for Settled Status
Over two million EU citizens and their families have applied for Settled Status but it is not as straight forward as it seems and we recommend you seek help and ask questions before applying.
Our page Applying for Settled Status is good summary of the process, including what documents you will need to successfully apply:
https://www.the3million.org.uk/applying-for-settled-status
The website from our sister charity Settled, which specialises in outreaching to EU citizens at risk, is also very helpful, as Settled Status is explained in a simple manner. They currently have information in 7 languages and growing.
https://settled.org.uk
Here for Good is a charity set up specifically to help you in applying for Settled Status.
You can conveniently call them if you have a questions or seeking free immigration legal advice:
Mondays, 0930 - 1130
Wednesdays, 1130 - 1330
Fridays, 1330 - 1530
☎️ 020 7014 2155 (standard phone charges apply)
The helpline is run with Bindmans LLP
We also recommend the London Mayor information hub for EU citizens, which is available in 23 different languages:
Our friends at UKCEN have developed a public forum to help with a Settled Status and British citizenship applications: https://www.forum.ukcen.com
We have also partnered with the European Commission in the UK and Here for Good to provide simple information about your rights as an EU citizen living in the UK. Click on the link below to find out more:
Settled Status information sessions:
Check this website to find out about information events about settled status near you: http://www.eurights.uk/events
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