Oral Answers to Questions Debate

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Department: Home Office

Oral Answers to Questions

Stephen Kerr Excerpts
Monday 3rd December 2018

(5 years, 11 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Nick Hurd Portrait Mr Hurd
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The hon. Lady knows that I will not comment on leaks, but I would simply point out that this Government took the steps that resulted in an increase of £460 million of public investment in our police system this year, in a settlement that she and her colleagues voted against.

Stephen Kerr Portrait Stephen Kerr (Stirling) (Con)
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3. What support he is providing to EU citizens applying to the EU settlement scheme.

Antoinette Sandbach Portrait Antoinette Sandbach (Eddisbury) (Con)
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12. What support he is providing to EU citizens applying to the EU settlement scheme.

Caroline Nokes Portrait The Minister for Immigration (Caroline Nokes)
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The Home Office is putting in place a range of support for EU citizens applying to the EU settlement scheme, particularly for those who are most vulnerable. This includes assisted digital support for those unable to make online applications, a new customer contact centre and indirect support to be provided through organisations such as community groups and charities.

Stephen Kerr Portrait Stephen Kerr
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I am of course pleased that the Minister has made clear the Government’s commitment to European Union citizens living here, particularly because there are parties in this House who have spread fear and alarm among EU citizens by questioning the Government’s commitment to their status. Does the Minister agree that those Members who spread fear and alarm should set the record straight and reassure those in our communities who are from the EU that their rights are guaranteed?

Caroline Nokes Portrait Caroline Nokes
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My hon. Friend is right to point out the importance of sending a message of reassurance to EU citizens living here not only that they can stay but that we want them to stay and are taking steps through our settled status scheme to enable them to do so through a straightforward online digital process. I am sure my hon. Friend will welcome the fact that 95% of the people who have been through the first phase of beta testing of the settled status scheme found it very straightforward to use.