Oral Answers to Questions Debate

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Department: Home Office

Oral Answers to Questions

David Nuttall Excerpts
Monday 6th March 2017

(7 years, 9 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Robert Goodwill Portrait Mr Goodwill
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I would certainly pay tribute to the contribution that EU nationals make in all spheres of life, not least football, but particularly in the health service and our public services. While they are here and we are members of the European Union, they can exercise their treaty rights. As the Home Secretary has said, we wish to sort this situation out as soon as possible, and of course we also need to recognise the status of UK nationals elsewhere in the EU, who deserve and want the same protections.

David Nuttall Portrait Mr David Nuttall (Bury North) (Con)
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What procedures are in place to enable the Government to check that EU nationals have been here lawfully and continuously for five years?

Robert Goodwill Portrait Mr Goodwill
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Many people will have documentation already available, for example, their national insurance or tax forms; they may appear on the electoral register. All sorts of documentation could be relevant in this case, but I must stress that nobody needs to get any additional documentation at this stage. We are absolutely happy that people continue making a contribution, and they should not be worried about their future here in the UK.