On Tuesday 17th November 2020, the Roma Support Group and the All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Gypsies, Travellers and Roma held an online event to discuss the impact of the EU Settlement Scheme on Roma communities in the UK.
The event was chaired by APPG Co-Chair Martin Docherty-Hughes MP and the speakers in attendance were Mihai Bica of Roma Support Group, Christopher Desira of Seraphus, Helen Stalford of the University of Liverpool and Colin Havard of Sheffield City Council.
The event brought together various stakeholders of the EU Settlement Scheme and Roma communities in the UK in order to:
- Establish the current situation and update on EU Settlement Scheme operations for Roma communities;
- Present an overview of who is missing on the EU Settlement Scheme, to address complex cases and concerns relating to Roma children;
- Share good practice examples of local authorities working with Roma communities;
- Hear about the experiences of Roma people.
Speaking after the event, Martin Docherty-Hughes MP as Co-Chair of the APPG for Gypsies, Travellers and Roma said:
“As we speed towards the deadline for applying to the EU Settlement Scheme it’s vital that no one falls through the gaps. It is clear from our event today that many Roma people are not being reached by the EUSS scheme – central and local government must do more to ensure the scheme works for the more marginalised and excluded communities.”
On the event, Mihai Bica, Campaign Worker at Roma Support Group had this to say:
“This was an opportunity for parliamentarians to hear from members of the Roma community how they experience the EU Settlement Scheme. Roma Support Group has helped thousands of people with their applications to the scheme, and we know there are many barriers to Roma applicants getting settled status that have only increased with the Covid-19 pandemic. We urge the government and local authorities to work with community organisations to ensure that no one gets left behind.”
Notes for Editor
About Friends, Families and Travellers (FFT)
Friends, Families and Travellers is a leading national charity that works on behalf of all Gypsies, Roma and Travellers regardless of ethnicity, culture or background. FFT acts as the Secretariat to the APPG for Gypsies, Travellers and Roma.
Media Contact
Sami McLaren, Communications Officer
Tel: 07436 228910 Email: sami@gypsy-traveller.org
Relevant Resources
‘Apply to the EU Settlement Scheme (settled and pre-settled status)’. GOV UK. November 2020. View here.
‘Briefing for Parliamentarians and local authorities: The EU Settlement Scheme and the Roma community’. Roma Support Group. November 2020. View here.
‘EU Roma Children and the EU Settled Status Scheme: Awareness, Access and Eligibility’. University of Liverpool. September 2020. View here.
