Dear fellow EU citizen,
Today is the first day of an uncertain future and we at the3milllion just want to give you a big hug if you are feeling vulnerable. Many of us will have a heavy heart as the future feels uncertain in the country we call home.
Special thoughts to our Bangladeshi, Latino, Roma, Somali brothers and sisters who are often forgotten as EU citizens.
We are also thinking of our British friends in Europe who will become third-country nationals in the member states we are coming from. We will always be there for you and we are facing this uncertain future together.
I hope I can lift your spirit with a piece of good news:
The Electoral Commission has confirmed to us in an email that EU citizens will be able to vote in the forthcoming local elections. Not all local authorities are being renewed so check on this Wikipedia page whether you could vote or not in May: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2020_United_Kingdom_local_elections
In addition, it's important to state that all EU citizens can continue to live in the UK without any changes until 1 January 2021.
Last night's Eurotrash party in London gave us a real sense of togetherness as Europeans and we were delighted to be live on air on BBC London, offering an alternative to the images coming from Parliament Square.
Brexit has brought all of us EU27 citizens living in the UK closer together and we are proud of our values of openness, peace and tolerance.
the3million is now preparing a tour of UK cities, from Bristol to Belfast, Newcastle to Cardiff, to show that the UK is our home. We will talk to councils, run information sessions, help vulnerable people apply for Settled Status with our sister charity Settled and hear from our grassroots members across the UK.
Stay with us, whether you have Settled Status, are now a dual national or planning to leave the UK and consider joining our 600-strong team of regular donors. What unites us are European values and the fight to regain these values in uncertain times - this goes beyond the3million’s campaign goals. We need our solidarity more than ever.
As our friend Jane Golding from British in Europe says, if politicians won’t fight for our rights then it is down to us. We are the five million children of Europe. We stand together and we have an important role to play for years to come.
To finish, I want to invite you to two social events:
This Wednesday in London, we are organising an evening meet-up and a pub quiz. Information and tickets:
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the3million-london-meet-up-meet-the-team-and-join-as-an-activist-tickets-89878630403
On Friday at 1PM in Bristol, you are also invited to a panel discussion at the Royal West of England Academy on the future of Europe, featuring yours truly, Gruffalo illustrator Axel Scheffler and author Penny Dale:
https://shop.rwa.org.uk/collections/gallery-events/products/where-do-we-go-from-here-panel-discussion
European regards,
Maike
Maike Bohn, co-founder of the3million, the EU citizens' group
Please support the3million by joining our 600-strong team of regular donors. In 2020, we will continue to campaign to stop the Government making hundreds of thousands EU citizens unlawful in 2021, to secure physical documents, to maintain voting rights at local elections and to ease our access to British citizenship.
We simply couldn't do it without you and you can make a difference by becoming a supporter for the price of a cup of coffee a month.
VOTING RIGHTS - EMAIL FROM THE ELECTORAL COMMISSION
Hi Nicholas,
I have included below information about the voting rights of EU citizens at the upcoming local elections in May 2020. We understand that the Government is not planning any changes before May. Any changes to the franchise would be for the Cabinet Office to consider and decide upon.
While your enquiry relates to the elections in England, it is worth noting that the Scottish Government is responsible for the franchise for Scottish Parliament and local government elections in Scotland, and the Welsh Government and Assembly Commission are similarly responsible for the franchise for Senedd and local government elections in Wales. In both Scotland and Wales there is legislation in progress to extend the franchise for these elections to all qualifying foreign citizens.
Voting rights for EU citizens in local council elections
The voting rights for EU citizens resident in the UK and voting in local council elections are the same as UK citizens and Commonwealth citizens.
To vote in a local council election a person must be registered to vote, 18 years or over on polling day in England, Northern Ireland and Wales or 16 years or over on polling day in Scotland, and also:
- a British or Irish citizen, a qualifying Commonwealth citizen, or a citizen of the European Union
- resident in the UK
- not be subject to any legal incapacity to vote
You’ll find more information on our website (scroll down to the bottom of the page): www.electoralcommission.org.uk/i-am-a/voter/types-elections/local-councils
If you have any further questions, just let me know. I would be happy to help.
Thanks,
The Electoral Commission
IN THE MEDIA
As an EU citizen, Brexit has strengthened my resolve to remain in the UK
This Is The Toll Applying For Settled Status Takes On EU Citizens Like Me
‘Anger and confusion’ among EU nationals fearful of future in Brexit Britain
EU nationals say they are scared about their future in post-Brexit Britain after three ’emotionally draining years’ of immigrant ‘bashing’.
 \
Los europeos inquietos al otro lado del puente levadizo
«Die Hetze gegen EU-Bürger muss aufhören»
LATEST TWEETS
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
|
