EU nationals ‘encouraged’ to apply for settled status

The Home Office is preparing a multimillion-pound publicity campaign to mark the full launch of its Brexit settlement scheme.

Adverts encouraging EU nationals to apply to secure their status in the UK will be rolled out across the country within weeks.

It is understood the marketing blitz is earmarked to go live in the days before Britain formally departs the bloc on 29 March.

The “highly visible” campaign will include outdoor advertising on billboards, at bus stops and rail stations, with a particular focus on areas with high populations of EU citizens.

Material will also be pushed out on radio, catchup TV, social media and websites. The Home Office has allocated around £3.75 million for the first phase of the initiative.

A spokesman said: “EU citizens make a huge contribution to our society and we have always been clear that we want them to stay.

“That is why a wide range of communications and engagement activity is under way to ensure that we reach everyone.

“When the scheme goes live on 30 March a Uk-wide marketing campaign will encourage EU citizens to apply for the EU Settlement Scheme. Public information will continue throughout the lifetime of the scheme, alongside direct work with employers, local authorities and voluntary and community organisations.”

The launch will mark a ramping up of the Government’s communications drive to raise awareness of the process for securing post-brexit immigration status.