IPPR & University of Edinburgh Roundtable Event: What might the ‘hostile environment’ mean for EU citizens’ rights post-Brexit?

Immigration enforcement in the UK has increasingly shifted from control of external borders to internal control. The ‘hostile environment’ policy is designed to make it more difficult for illegal immigrants to access public services in the UK.

But as the UK leaves the EU this policy is coming under renewed scrutiny. The government is making plans for a new ‘Settled Status’ category to protect the free movement rights of EU citizens currently residing in the UK. But some argue that EU citizens who do not secure ‘Settled Status’ might will fall into irregular status and become subject to the ‘hostile environment’ post-Brexit.

This off the record roundtable event will bring together experts, policymakers, voluntary sector and other key stakeholders and will be held at IPPR offices (14 Buckingham Street) in Central London. In addition to a presentation on the Edinburgh University’s Seeing Illegal Immigrants project, we will have 3 other presenters from across the political spectrum to outline key challenges. This will be followed by an open discussion with participants.

Confirmed speakers for this event include Kate Green MP, Labour MP for Stretford and Urmston and Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Migration; Tim Loughton MP, Conservative MP for East Worthing and Shoreham; Joanna Cherry MP, SNP MP for Edinburgh South West and Shadow SNP Spokesperson for Justice and Home Affairs; and Christina Boswell, Professor of Politics, Dean of Research, College of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences.