On 6th May 2020, Stuart Anderson MP submitted an oral question to the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs. It raises concerns that have been relayed to Stuart Anderson MP in light of the outbreak of Coronavirus. In particular, it highlights the situation that is being faced by vulnerable residents who have Indefinite Leave to Remain but continue to face difficulties with repatriation.
Commenting on the issue, Stuart Anderson MP said: “there are many residents in Wolverhampton South West who have lived in this country for decades, who have Indefinite Leave to Remain in this country, but are not being given the same priority. They have worked, contributed, and added value to this country but find themselves stranded abroad due to this world-wide pandemic, Coronavirus.”
“British citizens automatically have support from the national Government to repatriate to the UK. I would like the same support for British residents to be repatriated along with UK citizens. I want to reassure constituents that I am raising this urgent matter with my colleagues and the Government.”
Stuart Anderson MP added: “I am particularly concerned that some of these constituents are elderly or medically vulnerable, and therefore require extra support. I am committed to doing all that is possible to support them and their families and loved ones at this particularly challenging time.”
While British residents who have been granted ‘Indefinite Leave to Remain’ are not classified as British nationals, they can continue to live and work in the UK. They are also granted the same access to healthcare and education and their children would usually automatically be British citizens.
While the situation regarding Coronavirus has presented many unprecedented challenges, Stuart Anderson MP is raising the importance of supporting those with Indefinite Leave to Remain to be repatriated to the UK.