Contribution of Poles to UK Society

Debate between Mike Weir and Marcus Jones

Tuesday 19th July 2016 Westminster Hall

[Mr Jones]

The Cabinet Office, the Home Office and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office issued an extremely important statement on 12 July. If the hon. Gentleman reads that statement carefully, he will see that it provides significant reassurance to members of the Polish community, and quite rightly so.

Poles are known for their entrepreneurial skills. In 2014, it was estimated that 22,000 companies had been set up by Polish-born entrepreneurs, with a further 65,000 registered as self-employed. Poles are employed throughout our society, including right here in this very House. Polish people have enriched our country, and while the UK remains in the EU, all its citizens continue to enjoy the rights and status they had prior to the referendum. The Government want to be able to guarantee the legal status of EU nationals who are living in the UK, and we are confident that we will be able to do so, but we must also win the same rights for British nationals living in European countries. It will be an early negotiating objective for the Government to achieve those things together. Some Members have expressed concerns that that might not be a high priority for the Government, but I hope I can reassure them that it will.

[Mike Weir]

I hear what the Minister is saying, but does he not accept that the continuing uncertainty might lead to people drifting away from the UK? That could have a serious impact on the NHS, public services and many businesses.

[Mr Jones]

I hear what the hon. Gentleman says, but I do not think that the type of rhetoric he and his party are using is helping the situation either.

[Mike Weir]

It is not rhetoric; I was asking a question!

[Mr Jones]

I have been clear in demonstrating that the Government absolutely want to ensure that we guarantee the status of the EU nationals living in the UK.

In conclusion, I am sure that all Members present, as well as the people in the Public Gallery, will wish to thank my hon. Friend the Member for Shrewsbury and Atcham for bringing this important debate before the House. We have always welcomed law-abiding migrants to this country, and the contribution of the Polish community to this country should absolutely be celebrated.