EU citizens get Tower Hamlets Council assurances about staying after Brexit

A Brexit ‘roadshow’ advice session for EU citizens living in Tower Hamlets is being held in Whitechapel tomorrow.

The Tower Hamlets Brexit Commission which was launched by the council earlier this month is running a series of advice sessions to tackle the uncertainties of Britain quitting the European family of nations on March 29.

“We all know many of our EU residents are feeling uncertain following the 2016 referendum vote,” a town hall spokesman said. “So we want to reassure them that they are valued members of our community and we’re here to support them.”

The Saturday advice session at the Whitechapel Idea Store in Whitechapel Road aims to help them secure their right to stay in the UK.

The commission was launched on September 6 by Mayor John Biggs who believes there should be another referendum on the terms of Brexit when they are finally known, because of the uncertainty caused to businesses.

Promises made in the 2016 referendum campaign are now shown as “bunk”, he told the East London Advertiser at the launch.

His views reflect Canary Wharf Group’s feelings that Brexit is “not a good idea”. East London was firmly in the ‘remain’ camp—so the council aims to reassure the estimated 41,000 EU citizens living in the East End about their continued status.

The commission is also taking evidence from businesses, organisations and members of the public about the local economy, civil society and public services, to consider how any negative effects can be minimised.