28 Apr 2017

Forum: Hampshire Welcomes EU!

The 48% - Winchester group is inviting you to take part in an event for EU citizens and pro-Europeans.

The Hampshire Welcomes EU! Forum is designed to provide clarity on EU citizens' rights until the UK actually departs from the EU, and the challenges and pressures facing EU citizens at this time. The aim is to bring EU citizens and pro-Europeans together, to be heard, and to fight for their rights.

What: Forum: Hampshire Welcomes EU!
When: Sunday, 14th May 2017, 7:00pm-8:30pm (close by 9pm)
Where: Winchester Rugby Football Club, North Walls Park, off Hilliers Way, Winchester, SO23 7SU
Cost to attend: There is no cost to attend, but attendees will be asked to kindly provide a donation.
Registration: https://hampshirewelcomeseu.eventbrite.com

Welcome:
  • Jane Rutter, Mayor of Winchester

Speakers:
  • Claire Bradley, Managing Director, European Law Monitor
  • First-hand EU Citizen Case Studies
  • Others (TBC)

Benefits of attending:
  • Gain insight into:
    • EU law as it affects individuals and families
    • EU law as it relates to businesses
    • Steps that are being taken to address where the UK has infringed on EU law
  • Understand the Permanent Residency and Citizenship application demands and challenges
  • Hear stories and realities first-hand from EU Citizens
  • Participate in Q&A with a panel of experts
  • Meet likeminded people, partake in interesting conversations, and make new friends
  • Understand the steps we each need to take to be heard, and why it matters

Why:

While the Home Office website confirms, "there has been no change to the rights and status of EU nationals in the UK as a result of the referendum", the implication that the government will be pursuing a "hard Brexit" means that future immigration and free movement from residents of EU countries to the UK are likely to be curtailed at the very least.

Unfortunately, a by-product of the June 2016 Referendum and on-going Brexit preparations has been a rise in xenophobia and hate crime. Employers appear confused about what they can and can't do concerning EU nationals. And while EU citizen's legal status remains unchanged, the rights of EU citizens beyond Brexit have not been guaranteed. As a result, EU citizens resident in the UK have become concerned for their future, and are seeking Permanent Residency and Citizenship.

Hampshire, in particular Winchester and Southampton, is home to more than 50,000 EU citizens. Both are pro-European cities. In Winchester, the majority voted to remain in the EU.

Constituents across Hampshire have urgent, time-sensitive questions and concerns. Brexit is causing a great deal of turmoil, uncertainty and worry, especially with regard to the position of EU nationals, their families and the single market.

The aim and outcome of this meeting is to create a lobby of EU citizens resident in Hampshire to seek help and assurance that this county will support them in three ways:
  1. Keep EU citizens safe and treat crime fairly
  2. Educate employers
  3. Assist with more difficult Permanent Residency and Citizenship cases

While this is a free to attend event, we would appreciate a small donation at the door to help us cover costs. Thank you!

Families welcome!

Refreshments available from the bar.






26 Apr 2017

General elections on 8 June

Not only have we got the local elections approaching quickly, we have now also learnt that there will be a general election on 8 June! To vote in that you need to be registered by 22 May. Simply visit www.gov.uk/register-to-vote to do so. Migrants Organise has a good summary of voting rights and important dates.


If you have a local notice board nearby why not download and print this poster (PDF) and have it displayed there!


7 Apr 2017

Take part in the Local Elections 2017!

The date for the local elections is approaching fast - many of us can vote on 4 May. However, to do so, you need to be registered to vote by 13 April. This can be easily done by going to www.gov.uk/register-to-vote.




If you have a local notice board nearby download and print this poster (PDF) and have it displayed there!