Since the EU referendum result hundreds of Londoners have written to me with their concerns about the impact on their lives. I’m publishing below a letter from a Mr. Bartholomew of Hackney who rightly makes the point about ensuring British citizens who currently have the right to move freely around the European Union retaining this, rather than facing the cost of visas and other difficulties in carrying out business across Europe. As a London MEP I know that the vast majority of London citizens and businesses welcome the opportunities that access to the European Union offers them and I will be continuing to fight for this.
“I am extremely concerned about the path being taken by the UK
Government in relation to “Brexit” following the EU Referendum. In
particular, I am concerned about the “hard Brexit” stance being adopted
by Theresa May and her three Brexiteers.
Despite what the media headlines and MP talking points say, there is no
clear mandate to leave the European Union. The country is divided in
two, while Londoners clearly voted to remain in the EU.
Not only has this referendum split the country, the tone of the UK
Government is becoming increasingly isolationist and xenophobic.
Xenophobia and racism have been legitimised, resulting in a significant
increase in hate crimes on our streets.
Indeed, the Home Secretary’s recent remarks suggesting that businesses
be compelled to report the number of “foreign” workers they employ is
bordering on the totalitarian.
I am deeply concerned about the direction my country is headed and,
against my will, once “Brexit” is implemented, I will be stripped of
the advantages and responsibilities of an EU citizen.
I ask you, as my MEPs, to work with your colleagues in the European
Parliament to offer EU passports to those British people who wish to
remain part of this amazing European Union.”
