An open letter to the city from Brighton & Hove’s political leaders
With just weeks to go before the Brexit transition period ends, the government has urged us all to prepare for inevitable changes ahead.
Trade and security arrangements are still being decided but regardless of a deal or no deal, free movement of people, goods and services is ending on 31 December.
Brighton & Hove has a diverse population, that includes thousands of people who were not born here but have chosen to make the city their home, and this includes more than 22,000 EU citizens.
All EU citizens already resident in the UK must now apply to the EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS) before 30 June 2021 if they want to continue living and working in the UK from next year. Anyone arriving in the UK after 1 January 2021, will not be eligible for the scheme and instead, will be subject to a new points-based immigration system.
If you are an EU citizen, please apply to the EUSS, it secures your rights, as they are now, to work, healthcare, housing and employment.
We are proud of our city and its reputation as an open and welcoming destination for all. As leaders of the city’s three main political parties, we have made it our mission, collectively and regardless of our different political opinions, to ensure our EU family continues to feel welcome and supported to stay in Brighton & Hove.
With the advent of a global pandemic, 2020 has already been a year of great change and uncertainly for so many people. Now more than ever we need to come together, cherish our communities and support each other.
Sadly, Covid-19 is still with us and a changing relationship with the EU will undoubtedly bring challenges as well as opportunities next year.
As a city, we have enviable attractions, stunning beach sunsets, first rate restaurants and an abundance of innovative small businesses and independent shops, but it is people who make a place.
We wish all our residents a peaceful end to 2020 and look forward to 2021 with hope for happier and healthier times ahead.
Together, we are Brighton and Hove.
Phélim Mac Cafferty, Convenor of the Green Group
Nancy Platts, Leader of the Labour group
Steve Bell, Leader of the Conservative Group
For more information about the EU Settlement Scheme and how we’re preparing for Brexit in Brighton & Hove
To join the conversation, use #WeAreBrightonAndHove
