Key Facts

• The social security provisions are crucial for UK citizens in the EU, governing pensions, healthcare, other benefits, and national insurance contributions aggregation.
• Clause 5 of the Bill creates a regulation-making power that could modify rights under the withdrawal agreement, raising concerns about potential breaches of international treaties.
• British in Europe has limited views on future policy post-Brexit but supports the Government's ability to implement further agreements as necessary.
• Clause 2 of the Bill addresses a gap in immigration law regarding Irish citizens.
• There are concerns about whether Irish citizens will have the same rights as British citizens when sponsoring family members.
• The threshold for deporting Irish citizens is currently higher than the general public interest standard.
• Amendment 14 aims to remove inequality faced by UK citizens in the EU compared to EU citizens in the UK.
• The minimum income requirement for returning to the UK is £18,600.
• About 40% of people living in the UK would be unable to meet this requirement.
• Edward Leigh welcomes a second panel of witnesses to discuss the Bill.
• The meeting takes place until 3:20 pm at the latest.
• Jill Rutter represents British Future, and David Goodhart from Policy Exchange.
• One third of food manufacturing's employees are from the EU.
• In hospitality, about 20% of employees are from the EU.
• The NHS has some special exemptions with an overall figure of about 5% or 6% EU workers.
• Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) assesses workforce shortages but primarily informs immigration approach.
• UK spends heavily on university education without considering economic needs.
• Apprenticeship levy covers less than 10% of school leavers entering apprenticeships.
• Proposal to simplify the apprenticeship system with a 50-50 employer/state funding split.
• The MP mentions the need for a proper status checking system for employers and landlords to support a separate visa regime in Scotland.
• There is concern about the lack of high-level champions for integration since Sajid Javid's departure from Government positions.
• The controlling migration fund, which addresses local impacts of immigration, will end soon without an announced successor.
• Edward Leigh chairs the Public Bill Committee.
• Detention Action and the Immigration Law Practitioners Association provide oral evidence.
• The session is scheduled until 4 pm.
• The MP highlights the existing power under section 8 of the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018 to amend ineffective retained EU law.
• There is an additional set of powers under section 13 of the European Union (Withdrawal Agreement) Act 2020 for social security coordination.
• The MP questions the necessity of a fourth set of powers in clause 5 when there are already existing Henry VIII powers.
• The EU law has been domesticated under the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018 and clauses in the Bill say that retained EU law applies except if inconsistent with immigration provisions.
• There are multiple reasons why individuals might miss deadlines for settled status applications, including leading disordered lives, mental health impairments, or long-term sickness.
• The Home Office is drawing on precedent-based treaties with Canada, Japan and South Korea which include mobility routes for short-term business visitors, key personnel, independent professionals etc., for up to 24 months.
• In 2007, the Labour Government introduced mandatory deportation rules for those receiving a sentence of 12 months or longer.
• The coalition Government in 2014 added that resisting deportation on grounds of parental relationship would require showing excessive cruelty rather than mere cruelty.
• These laws disproportionately impact Britain’s black community due to over-representation in the criminal justice system and social/economic deprivation.
• Edward Leigh is ensuring that speakers can be heard by facing the committee or microphones.
• Edward Leigh is the Chair of the Public Bill Committee.
• The committee has only 15 minutes for questioning.
• Mr Luke Piper is providing evidence regarding the Bill.
• Over 3 million applications have been made to the EU settlement scheme.
• The deadline for applying is June next year.
• There are concerns that marginalised and disenfranchised groups, such as those with disabilities or mental health issues, may miss the application deadline.
• Bulgarian citizens' application numbers exceed population estimates, indicating ongoing applications.
• The most successful UK scheme, digital TV switch, achieved 97% sign-up rate by its deadline.
• Approximately 100,000 people may lose their legal right to live in the UK if they do not apply for settled status.
• Lucy Leon is an immigration policy and practice adviser for The Children’s Society.
• Amendment proposes automatic settled status for vulnerable children in care or as care leavers.
• Local authorities need to identify these children and offer them settled status within a specific timeframe.
• Social workers struggle with understanding their roles and responsibilities under the current scheme.
• Alison Harvey is a barrister at No5 Chambers in London.
• Ian Robinson is a partner in Fragomen, an immigration law firm.
• The Bill addresses the removal of free movement laws but does not establish a new points-based system.
• The UK will have one complex immigration system for everyone post-EU withdrawal.
• The skilled part of the system is expected to be among the best in terms of policy and speed, but it is costly compared to other countries.
• There are concerns about delays for employers new to the immigration system if they do not obtain sponsor licences before year-end.
• The speaker refers to the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018 and the European Union (Withdrawal Agreement) Act 2020.
• Irish citizens and people of Northern Ireland have specific rights under the Belfast agreement.
• Proposed new section 3ZA in the Immigration Act aims to protect rights for those entering the UK from Ireland.
• Established tier 2 sponsors will face simpler but more expensive procedures.
• New employers may spend between two to four weeks preparing documentation for an application which typically takes four to six weeks.
• An SME sponsoring a single individual costs about £4,000 while a larger employer pays around £5,500; families incur additional fees of up to £17,000 in government charges alone.
• Edward Leigh addresses the timing for adjourning the parliamentary session.
• The session is ordered to be adjourned by Tom Pursglove, acting as Whip.
• Further consideration will resume on Thursday 11 June at half-past Eleven o’clock.