Group for EU nationals

Hexham is – as it was in AD122 – a melting pot of nationalities. Now, in AD2017, there are around 300 EU nationals on the electoral role for Tynedale.

Last Wednesday, some of Tynedale’s EU nationals – originally from Denmark, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland and Spain – came from their homes in Hexham, Ponteland, Prudhoe, West Woodburn, Wark and even Alnwick to the Forum Café.

Most of them made the UK their home decades ago, many raised a family here, have spent most of their working life here and have become an integral part of their communities.

They voiced their concerns about long-established rights which may now be at risk as the UK Government has not committed itself to guaranteeing the rights of EU nationals living in this country.

The main concerns of those who came to the Forumwere the right to stay in the UK after Brexit, entitlement to NHS services and state pension (having paid NI and PAYE), right to keep own nationality, employment rights and the future of NHS services without the input of medical staff from other EU countries.

The group is now asking for a meeting with the area’s MP, Guy Opperman, to voice their concerns in person and ask direct questions.

The group welcomes supporters from Tynedale and beyond. Contact [email protected]