I wrote this at the time of the Charlie Hebdo terror attack in France - the idea of solidarity with all who remain open is as relevant now and relevant to the fight to close borders and only 'look after our own'. We must rise above this.
This is not a fight we will win with guns, bombs, more security and fewer civil liberties. This is a battle of ideas and values, of secularism versus obscurantism, of the right to think and be freely and respect for others' rights to do so, without harm. We will win this by opening opportunity and education, and by being proud of being open and tolerant, and fighting to retain and promote the gains of humanism and enlightenment, of education, and aspiration for all. Liberté, égalité, fraternité
Associate EU CitizenshipAssociate British Citizenship A debate is going on in the European Union about whether to offer Britons a form of Associate European Citizenship so that British remain supporters can retain some of the benefits they currently enjoy. This is a liberal and enlightened idea, in stark contrast to the UK government's use of EU citizens in the UK as bargaining chips in future negotiations.
However, this proposal is divisive, and unjust to the 3 million or so EU citizens currently living in uncertainty in the UK, where they have settled and often made what they thought were permanent homes, paying taxes and contributing to the country's prosperity. Many others who have since left the UK will still have paid taxes and earned rights from previous residence, as indeed is the case for many British citizens who have lived in another EU country at some point. All these rights are under threat.
Many EU citizens are also spouses or partners of British citizens and parents of British children, yet still face uncertainty. Many are world leading scientists, researchers, artists, executives. People who made Britain their home and came here in good faith; made sacrifices, paid taxes, made friends, set down roots, and contribute to our collective prosperity.
In fairness, and in goodwill, the UK should reciprocate and offer Associate British Citizenship to EU citizens who have made Britain their home, with the same rights the EU will offer. This would give people certainty, at the same time showing the UK as being in good faith before negotiations on Brexit begin, restoring the country's much battered reputation. As EU citizens live in uncertainty, government services are also struggling to process applications for permanent residency. We also hear that companies are beginning to struggle for staff. Such an offer might also tempt people to come here. Read more
