8. Debate on the External Affairs and Additional Legislation Committee Report: Changes to freedom of movement after Brexit — Implications for Wales

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 5:10 pm on 22 January 2020.

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Photo of Mandy Jones Mandy Jones UKIP 5:10, 22 January 2020

Diolch, Llywydd. I'm sorry, Alun, but it's people like you who actually stir division where there is none.

As a member of the External Affairs and Additional Legislation Committee, I'd like to take the opportunity to thank the committee support staff for their help and assistance throughout this report. It's also important to recognise the contribution of the EU citizens and those from other nations who have settled here in Wales who took the time to come and speak to the committee, who added real value and insight also to this report. Finally, I'd like to thank all the stakeholders for their contribution and, of course, a thank you to David Rees as Chair of the committee for all his hard work.

During the EU referendum, immigration and the lack of control was a clear concern for a large part of the public, whether you like it or not. But it is also very important to understand the concerns were mainly to do with a broken immigration system and not total prejudice towards those who come from EU nation states or otherwise. As I said before, it's people and speeches like that that actually create division where there is none.

In gathering evidence for this report, the committee held two focus groups, and from those who attended it is clear that the UK Government must really do more to communicate with citizens from other nations on how they apply for their settled status and provide the reassurance needed. I really do hope that today's news about the £30,000 threshold being lowered or even removed actually comes into practice. Thank you.