Theresa May warned not to 'play politics' with EU nationals' lives

Prime Minister-in-waiting, Theresa May, leaves today's Cabinet meeting
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Pippa Crerar12 July 2016

Theresa May was warned not to “play politics” with the lives of European Union nationals today at a Brexit crisis summit of ambassadors in London.

Sadiq Khan, who hosted the senior diplomats, said the incoming prime minister must not use the status of EU citizens in Britain as a bargaining chip in Brussels negotiations.

Mrs May, currently Home Secretary, has so far refused to give guarantees that millions of people from EU countries already here will be allowed to stay — suggesting it is impossible to do this until the fate of Britons living on the continent is also up for discussion.

She is also thought to be concerned that guaranteeing a right to remain would risk a huge new movement of EU nationals to Britain.

The Mayor hopes his summit, for diplomats from countries including Poland, Ireland, France, Bulgaria, Romania, Portugal and Spain, will reassure them over the one million EU nationals who live in the capital.

Mr Khan told the diplomats, who included the ambassadors of Germany, Italy and Lithuania, that he wanted to send out a “crystal clear” message that all EU citizens who made a “huge contribution” to the city were welcome.

“It is simply not good enough to leave EU citizens in London in limbo,” he said. “The irresponsible position taken by some politicians has caused unnecessary uncertainty and anxiety among communities in London. You cannot play politics with people’s lives.

“London is still a decent and open-minded city and we will not stand for millions of Londoners being used as a bargaining tool. I’m calling on Theresa May to say very clearly she will guarantee EU citizens who were living here before the referendum can remain.

“We are talking about many mothers, fathers, grandmothers and grandfathers of British children born and growing up in London. They are neighbours, colleagues and fellow Londoners.”

He vowed neither he nor the Metropolitan police would tolerate hate crime following a rise in reports of racist abuse since the referendum.

French ambassador Sylvie Bermann said: “I am grateful to the Mayor for signalling the very important contribution of European citizens to London.”

Dariusz Łaska, of the Polish Embassy, added: “We were shocked by the recent incidents of xenophobic abuse. We welcome the Mayor’s pledge to combat hate crime as well as campaign for the right to remain for all EU nationals.”

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