Forum Topic

This is outrageous!

What happened in the first day of the [HoC's] Committee of the whole House?On Tuesday, 7 January 2020, there were three divisions on new clauses to the [Withdrawal] Bill. All three proposed new clauses were voted down. The new clauses were:New Clause 5, which would've allowed all EU citizens resident before exit day to have a right to permanent residence in the UK. NC5 was defeated by 342 to 252 votes.New Clause 18, which would've ensured that those who benefit from citizens' rights protections do not miss out registering as UK citizens due to the cost of the fee. NC18 was defeated by 341 to 255 votes.New Clause 34, which would've established a right to appeal settled status decisions. NC34 was defeated by 343 to 251 votes.No right to appeal?  Unacceptable to say the least.

Ivonne Holliday ● 2499d10 Comments

A bit short sighted of this xenophobic government? Wait until the EU countries retaliate and all the retired expats start returning to the UK ... 

Michael Ixer ● 2499d

"all the retired expats start returning to the UK ... "There should be some kind of welcoming ceremony.--------------------------------"And when he cometh home, he calleth together his friends and neighbours, saying unto them, Rejoice with me; for I have found my sheep which was lost."

David Ainsworth ● 2499d

Totally agree.I was under the impression that the EU citizens in the UK  needed to apply for settled status.  Rather convoluted procedure I thought (they are not prisoners as far as I can tell), but never ever imagined the government would do this with no scrutiny in Parliament.  It was just a vote for each new clause.Not at all encouraging.

Ivonne Holliday ● 2499d

I think the government would probably argue that the withdrawal bill isn't the right place for this, it should be in more specific legislation. One suspects the EU will be mindful of this during the next phase of negotiations - I doubt they place too much trust in Johnson and his cronies on this matter have seen the Wndrush debacle.

Michael Ixer ● 2499d

There is no substitute for winning an election.

Philippa Bond ● 2499d

Fleur Anderson voted in favour of all three defeated amendments according to the website Theyworkforyou.comYou can register to follow the statements and votes of any MP or member of the Lords. It’s a free and very useful way to check what they are up to.

Jonathan Callaway ● 2499d

As I said, I don't think the EU trusts this government ... well,who does?https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/brexit-boris-johnson-eu-citizens-barnier-home-office-latest-a9274731.html

Michael Ixer ● 2499d

And 17.4 million U.K. voters don't trust the EU so it's best we are parting. Which colour Government would you trust Michael?

Sue Hammond ● 2499d

That's a good question Sue. The blues have already recently stitched up the DUP, the yellows renaged on promises while in coalition, the new reds took us into a rather dubious war that's still having repercussions as we "speak"; the green and purple, etc are untested, and I'm ignoring regional parties as I can't vote for them! The new socialist red is probably honest but perhaps that's why no one likes them: a people's vote and nationalisation - and free, fast broadband that possibly isn't realistic?Jeremy has stuck by his principles over the years whereas Johnson's track record has been rather duplicitous ... but we have an interesting position here aside from party politics. The Windrush community were badly treated by an incompetent and hostile home office driven by tune likes of May and didn't have a strong group to support them (it appears many haven't been adequately compensated yet); EU citizens have a strong lobby to negotiate and support them, and UK citizens in Europe are potentially vulnerable to reciprocal sanctions if the UK acts unfairly ... probably won't come to that ...

Michael Ixer ● 2499d

Amendment 10 (put forward by the SNP limits ministers power to implement extra regulations around Northern Ireland after Brexit without going through the usual channels) fails.  340 votes against - 262 in favourLabour's amendment (calling for the government to guarantee the right of unaccompanied child refugees to be reunited with family living in the UK after Brexit) fails.  348 against - 251 in favour.New clause 55, tabled by the DUP and supported by the SDLP and Alliance parties, would make the government publish an assessment at least every 12 months of any negative impacts on businesses and consumers arising from the protocol on trade between Great Britain and Northern Ireland and vice versa.It also would ensure the government develops mitigations to safeguard the place of Northern Ireland businesses and consumers in the UK internal market.337 votes against - 262 in favour.What a horrible country we are becoming.

Ivonne Holliday ● 2499d