Nicola Sturgeon meets EU citizens concerned about their right to stay in UK after Brexit

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The continued right to live and work in Scotland, as well as freedom of movement across Europe in the aftermath of the Brexit vote, were among the issues raised by EU citizens from 24 member states during a meeting with Nicola Sturgeon.

Sturgeon has already said that people from those countries are “welcome” to remain in Scotland after the UK leaves the EU    

However, Tory ministers at Westminster have refused to guarantee the right of EU citizens' right to remain in the UK without similar commitments from other countries towards Britons living overseas.

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In Edinburgh today, the First Minister and senior cabinet members listened to questions and concerns from an invited audience of Scotland-based EU nationals.

Sturgeon said that other issues raised includes those of employment and social protection rights related to EU legislation, which the UK will no longer be part of after Brexit.   

During the ‘Ask the FM event’, which was held after a cabinet meeting, Sturgeon pledged to take issues raised directly to the UK Government, which holds powers over immigration.

She also promised that the interests of EU citizens will be ‘centre stage’ in the Scottish Government’s concerted efforts to protect Scotland's interests.

Sturgeon said: “Today’s event underlines just how important it is to me and to the Scottish Government to do everything we can to protect Scotland’s relationship with Europe – and equally it demonstrates the huge level of interest and concern among EU nationals living in Scotland.

“Our resounding message to those who attended today is that we are determined to protect their place and their future in Scotland. As I said on the morning of the EU referendum result, those people from across the EU who have done us the honour of making Scotland their home are welcome here. We understand that diversity makes a significant contribution to our economy, our society, our culture – and we would be poorer without you in many different ways.

“While Scotland voted decisively to remain in the EU, I was saddened, concerned and frustrated by the UK-wide vote to leave. I can only imagine the impact on those who are living here but who come from other EU countries: suddenly, having been being denied any say in the matter, entire families faced uncertainty about the future.

“That is why it is imperative the UK Government now gives the guarantees sought by all EU citizens, not just here in Scotland but across the UK, about their continued right to live and work here. And I will raise the issues aired here today directly with the UK Government at the earliest opportunity.

“However, my guarantee to EU citizens here in Scotland is this: I promise that the interests of all of you who already play such a big part in the success of our country, will be centre stage."