No compromise over EU citizens in Britain being subject to our laws
SIR – I am an EU citizen and have lived in Britain for 30 years. I was heartened to get some assurance yesterday, from reports of Theresa May’s statement, that I will be able to remain here.
I think it is only right that EU citizens who wish to remain in Britain should be subject to British laws. Likewise, British citizens who wish to live in EU countries should be subject to EU legislation.
When you make the decision to relocate to another country it is because you wish to improve your way of life. Surely there should be no question over having to obey the rules and laws of your adoptive country? Trudy Visser
Stretton, Rutland
SIR – It is of course correct, and the British thing to do, to afford EU citizens resident here the protections of the British state, but it does rankle a bit that they are given full healthcare provisions, when I recall my own experience the other way round.
After 11 years working in the Middle East, I recently returned to Europe and was positioned in Germany to cover sales for Europe from there. Since I had been outside any European healthcare system for more than 24 months I was regarded as an immigrant and unable to get state healthcare in Germany.
I and my family had to be moved again, back to the protection of the British NHS, in very short order. Michael West
Bishopstoke, Hampshire
SIR – Perhaps with the exception of the election this month, at every general election for the last 25 years immigration was identified as a major issue “on the doorstep”. Both Labour and the Conservatives reacted with manifesto promises on which they abjectly failed to deliver. The numbers continued to rise rapidly.
If it is accepted that immigration was a major factor in the Brexit vote, then the politicians brought the result of that referendum upon themselves.
It seems that a number of politicians, the Chancellor included, still have their heads buried in the sand over this issue. Peter Mace
Goodwick, Pembrokeshire
SIR – In the past 12 months the UK population has increased by 538,000. This is equivalent to a city the size of Bradford.
If this trend continues how will our public services possibly cope with the demand? Richard Acland
Chepstow, Monmouthshire
SIR – If we are to compare the Queen’s hat at the State Opening of Parliament with the EU flag, surely, with five yellow spots visible on a blue background, it is saying that there should only be five member states of the European Union.
I would suggest these should be Germany, France, Belgium, Spain and Portugal. Sue Fletcher
Biddulph, Staffordshire