The Hampshire Welcomes EU! Forum is designed to provide clarity on EU citizens' rights until the UK actually departs from the EU, and the challenges and pressures facing EU citizens at this time. The aim is to bring EU citizens and pro-Europeans together, to be heard, and to fight for their rights.
| What: | Forum: Hampshire Welcomes EU! |
| When: | Sunday, 14th May 2017, 7:00pm-8:30pm (close by 9pm) |
| Where: | Winchester Rugby Football Club, North Walls Park, off Hilliers Way, Winchester, SO23 7SU |
| Cost to attend: | There is no cost to attend, but attendees will be asked to kindly provide a donation. |
| Registration: | https://hampshirewelcomeseu.eventbrite.com |
Welcome:
- Jane Rutter, Mayor of Winchester
Speakers:
- Claire Bradley, Managing Director, European Law Monitor
- First-hand EU Citizen Case Studies
- Others (TBC)
Benefits of attending:
- Gain insight into:
- EU law as it affects individuals and families
- EU law as it relates to businesses
- Steps that are being taken to address where the UK has infringed on EU law
- Understand the Permanent Residency and Citizenship application demands and challenges
- Hear stories and realities first-hand from EU Citizens
- Participate in Q&A with a panel of experts
- Meet likeminded people, partake in interesting conversations, and make new friends
- Understand the steps we each need to take to be heard, and why it matters
Why:
While the Home Office website confirms, "there has been no change to the rights and status of EU nationals in the UK as a result of the referendum", the implication that the government will be pursuing a "hard Brexit" means that future immigration and free movement from residents of EU countries to the UK are likely to be curtailed at the very least.
Hampshire, in particular Winchester and Southampton, is home to more than 50,000 EU citizens. Both are pro-European cities. In Winchester, the majority voted to remain in the EU.
Constituents across Hampshire have urgent, time-sensitive questions and concerns. Brexit is causing a great deal of turmoil, uncertainty and worry, especially with regard to the position of EU nationals, their families and the single market.
The aim and outcome of this meeting is to create a lobby of EU citizens resident in Hampshire to seek help and assurance that this county will support them in three ways:
- Keep EU citizens safe and treat crime fairly
- Educate employers
- Assist with more difficult Permanent Residency and Citizenship cases
While this is a free to attend event, we would appreciate a small donation at the door to help us cover costs. Thank you!
Families welcome!
Refreshments available from the bar.
