MPs in Oxfordshire have celebrated the Prime Minister's announcement to waive the £65 fee for EU citizens to stay in the UK after Brexit.
Theresa May announced the government's U-turn as part of the latest Brexit talks today in the House of Commons.
The government scheme planned to charge EU nationals living in Britain £65 as part of an application to stay in the country long-term after June 2021. Those under the age of 16 were to be charged £32.50.
The Oxford Mail reported how the scheme made many people feel 'angry and discriminated against' and 'no longer welcome'.
READ AGAIN: 'EU nationals in the NHS now feel unwelcome'
In many cases, Oxfordshire businesses said they will support staff who want to stay in the UK by covering the £65 fee.
Both Oxford University and Oxford University Hospitals Trust were among those businesses, as well as Diamond Light Source and Carluccio's.
READ AGAIN: 'I feel ashamed to say I live here'
But today the plans have been reversed and MPs in Oxfordshire have applauded the move.
Banbury MP Victoria Prentis tweeted 'great news' plus a comment from the PM saying "I can confirm today that when we roll out the scheme on 30 March, the Government will waive the application fee so that there is no financial barrier for any EU nationals who wish to stay."
READ AGAIN: Anneliese Dodds hails victory on EU Settlement Scheme
Oxford West and Abingdon MP Layla Moran said the announcement was 'the only concrete thing we have heard so far'.
Adding: "Damn right you shouldn't be charged."
£65 charge for EU citizens scrapped. Only concrete thing we’ve heard so far. Bravo @the3million for getting a mention! Damn right you shouldn’t be charged. But do we trust the Home Office to make it smooth....hmm.
— Layla Moran (@LaylaMoran) January 21, 2019
Didcot and Wantage MP Ed Vaizey also retweeted comments in favour of the U-turn.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel