European Council Debate

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Department: Cabinet Office

European Council

Pat McFadden Excerpts
Monday 26th June 2017

(6 years, 10 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Theresa May Portrait The Prime Minister
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My right hon. Friend knows very well from one of his previous roles the issue of those who have come to this country and abused, through their criminality, the rights they have been given. I certainly will ensure that we can take action to remove serious and persistent criminals from the UK.

Pat McFadden Portrait Mr Pat McFadden (Wolverhampton South East) (Lab)
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How can the cut-off date be earlier than the date we leave the European Union, given that EU citizens are living and working here legally at the moment and that the rights and obligations we have as members continue up until the day we leave, even through the article 50 negotiation process?

Theresa May Portrait The Prime Minister
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The rights that we have set out and the specified date are about the point at which people are able to qualify for settled status here in the United Kingdom. Of course, as we are members of the European Union, the arrangements that have always existed for us and for those here will continue, but for those who are getting settled status and wish to retain it for the future, the cut-off date is pertinent, and that will be a matter for negotiation.