MAYOR of Liverpool Joe Anderson is writing to EU citizens in the city to assure them their contribution to life in Liverpool is “deeply valued”.
The letter, which is being sent to more than 5,300 EU citizens who are on the open electoral register, urges them to apply to the EU settlement scheme (EUSS) which is open to people from other countries in the EU27 and people from Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland.
Mayor Anderson writes: “Liverpool has always been an international city and we are one of the UK’s most diverse communities. In particular, we are fiercely proud of our long relationship with Europe, through sport, culture and business.
“From Scandinavian seafarers bringing us Scouse in the eighteenth century to the Greeks and Italians who made Liverpool their home in the nineteenth, our bonds with Europe are longstanding and strong.
“And in more recent years, we are also proud that so many EU citizens have chosen to become part of Liverpool’s story. They make our city a better place, opening our eyes to the world when they become our colleagues, neighbours and friends.”
He adds: “Please rest assured that we want our European Scousers to remain in Liverpool. We value what you bring to our city and know that we are all the richer for it.”
The deadlines for applying to the EUSS are 31 December 2020 if the UK leaves the EU without a deal and 30 June 2021 if there is deal. If successful, people are granted settled or pre-settled status. There is no fee to apply and most people are able to complete the application quickly online.
Until the end of September, 10,770 of Liverpool’s EU citizens had applied to the EUSS.
People wanting to sign up to the EU settlement scheme can find out more at www.gov.uk/brexit.
If people need advice with their application there is also support available from Citizens Advice and Migrant Help.
Up-to-date information can be found on the council’s website www.liverpool.gov.uk/brexit
