Moray SNP News

EU CITIZENS URGED TO STAY IN MORAY

MSP: “YOU WILL ALWAYS REMAIN WELCOME IN SCOTLAND”

SNP MSP Richard Lochhead has made an impassioned plea to EU citizens living in Moray to stay in Scotland amid ongoing Brexit uncertainty.

This week First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon, made a commitment to EU citizens that Scotland remains their home - promising to continue making a strong case for their rights to be protected in any EU exit scenario.

The SNP leader has written an open letter to EU citizens to confirm a new ‘Stay in Scotland’ package that will consist of:

•             £250,000 for community based support across Scotland

•             a support and advice service for EU citizens with more complex needs or particular challenges 

•             a toolkit for employers, including posters, factsheets, digital content and guide directing EU citizens to further guidance

Richard Lochhead MSP has previously written to EU citizens in the area following a successful campaign to push the UK government to scrap the £65 “settled status” fee. He has also hosted two public meetings in Moray where he was joined by Citizens Advice Scotland to offer advice and support to EU nationals living in our local communities. 

Commenting, Mr Lochhead said:

“It is important to make clear that EU citizens will always remain welcome in Moray, and I will continue to do all I can to help people stay in Scotland.

“It’s wrong for the UK government to make EU citizens who have built their lives in Scotland, and who contribute massively to our economy and communities, to apply for the continued right to remain in their own homes.

“With absolutely no clarity from Westminster, this announcement from the First Minister will provide welcome support for EU citizens in across Scotland.

“I know from the public meetings I held in Findhorn and Elgin for EU nationals living in Moray that there’s a great deal of anxiety and confusion, so this support from the Scottish Government will no doubt be welcomed locally. 

“I’d like to urge anyone who has issues or concerns they would like to discuss with me to please get in touch.”