CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD ‘GREENS FOR A BETTER EUROPE’

· Led on crafting EU air pollution laws which have landed the UK Government in court three times for breaching toxic air limits

· Helped to establish European Health Insurance Cards (EHIC) which give citizens access to emergency healthcare across the EU

· Secured a VAT exemption for small businesses across the EU

​· Banned illegally logged timber from being sold in the EU

Over the past 20 years, the UK’s Green MEPs have been hugely influential in the European Parliament. Everyone living in modern Britain – and the rest of the EU27 – will have been touched by the causes they have campaigned for, and the progressive policies that have resulted. Should Brexit go ahead, UK citizens look set to lose many of these rights and protections.

A new book, Greens for a Better Europe: Twenty Years of UK Green Influence in the European Parliament, 1999-2019, reveals the untold story of the UK’s current and former Green MEPs: Caroline Lucas, Jean Lambert, Keith Taylor and Molly Scott Cato.

The book – which can be downloaded for free – brings together academics, journalists, campaigners and Green MEPs from across the EU to chart and analyse two decades of Green achievements. Contributors to the book include environmentalist Tony Juniper, the University of Strathclyde’s Wolfgang Rüdig, Make Votes Matter’s Klina Jordan and Owen Winter and former Green Party leader Natalie Bennett.

Caroline Lucas, Green Party MP for Brighton Pavilion, said:

“I am proud of the contribution that Green MEPs from the UK made to the European Union in our 20 years there. In an increasingly divided political world, we fought for what was right, and we did so while swimming against the tide more often than not.

Greens for a Better Europe highlights what our Party can achieve when the electoral system is not stacked against us, and when we work closely with our European neighbours in pursuit of shared, ambitious, green goals.”

Jean Lambert, Green MEP for London, said:

“Over the past two decades, the UK’s Green MEPs have led on many issues that other parties have only just begun to recognise, and on which they are still far behind.

This book gives an insight into how the Greens have worked with colleagues, across party lines, to make Europe a safer, healthier and greener place.

These pages also make it dazzlingly clear that the British political system is broken. The UK’s approach, which treats compromise as a dirty word, now threatens to undermine the rights and protections we have fought so hard for. British politicians have a huge amount to learn from their European neighbours about how politics can, and should, be done.”

Keith Taylor, Green MEP for the South East of England, said:

“UK Greens have been making a difference in the EU for two decades now. That we’re reflecting on that fact as Britain hurtles towards a catastrophic Brexit is beyond bittersweet.

Greens for a Better Europe is loaded with success stories that demonstrate what we can achieve when we work together with our European partners and friends to improve the lives of 500 million citizens across Britain and the EU.

Brexit is a disaster. This book will inevitably put the spotlight on exactly what we have to lose. But it also sets out a vision for how Greens can maintain our internationalist efforts to collaborate with our allies across Europe, and the world, to tackle the biggest crises facing our planet today.”

Molly Scott Cato, Green MEP for South West England and Gibraltar, added:

“Greens in the European Parliament have always punched well above our weight. Our influence has far exceeded the size of our electoral support. This is proof that the radical ideas we put forward on a green economy and sustainable finance; the precautionary principle and a more equal society, are in fact common sense proposals that work for the common good and are therefore hard to oppose.

It is also fair to say that we would not have witnessed the influence of the UK’s Green MEPs had it not been for the proportional system used for European elections. It is ironic that ‘take back control’ could end the most democratic national elections the UK has ever seen.

We live in a world that is increasingly interconnected. We cannot solve global problems like climate breakdown and corporate tax avoidance as one country. In our globalised economy we need to work together, as Europeans and as global citizens, to find just and sustainable solutions.”

“If we don’t change we will perish. Only the Greens truly recognise this. Strong Green Party voices at every level of government are vital.”

Sir Mark Rylance (Actor, theatre producer and director) – “I can say with confidence that the power of Greens and their ideas in politics have never been more essential.”

Tony Juniper (Campaigner and environmentalist) – “England’s Green MEPs have been among the highest profile and most effective MEPs, so far as civil society is concerned.”

Nick Dearden (Director, Global Justice Now) – “England’s Green MEPs have been among the highest profile and most effective MEPs, so far as civil society is concerned.” 

Notes:​​

Title: Greens for a Better Europe; Twenty Years of UK Green Influence in the European Parliament, 1999-2019
Editor: Liam Ward
Publication: 7th March 2019
Formats: Paperback, ePub and iPDF
ISBN: 978 1 907994 88 3
Price: FREE

Authors: Caroline Lucas, Tony Juniper, Keith Taylor, Molly Scott Cato, Jean Lambert, Reinhard Butikofer, Wolfgang Rudig, Samir Jeraj, Natalie Bennett, Klina Jordan, Owen Winter.

Distributors: Barnett’s of Wadhurst; Griffin Books, Penarth; Philip Howard Books, Leeds; Chepstow Books & Gifts; News from Nowhere, Liverpool; Five Leaves Bookshop, Nottingham; Stoke Newington Bookshop, London; The Book House, Oxfordshire; Warwick Books; Housmans, London; City Books, Hove, Five Leaves Bookshop, Nottingham

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The UK’s Green MEPs – Jean Lambert, Molly Scott Cato and Keith Taylor – have launched their latest animal protection newsletter Making Tracks.

The Autumn/Winter 2018 issue outlines the work our MEPs have done on important issues including:

• The European Parliament’s vote to end bullfighting subsidies
• Jean’s calls to end cruel game bird battery cages
• Jean’s support for a ‘Wooferendum’ on the final Brexit deal
• Keith’s criticism of the UK Government’s export deal with Saudi Arabia to allow meat from lambs slaughtered without being stunned

Read Making Tracks in full here.

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Jean Lambert, London’s Green MEP and the Green Party’s migration spokesperson, today launches a major new publication: Migration and Brexit: A call from migrants, communities and sectors for a UK migration policy that benefits all.

It contains a collection of essays from legal and rights-based groups (including Migrants’ Rights Network, British Future and the TUC), sector bodies (including the National Farmers’ Union, Federation of Small Businesses, BMA and the Creative Industries Federation) and other important voices (the British Youth Council and British in Europe) – full list of contributors below.

Each contributor has outlined what they will need from the UK’s post-Brexit migration policy vis-a-vis EU nationals. Jean Lambert MEP rounds these into ten concrete policy recommendations for the UK Government.

Together, they send a strong message to the Government: we need a migration policy that recognises and protects migrants’ immense contribution to our economy and society.

Read the report in full here.

Jean Lambert, London’s Green MEP and the Green Party’s migration spokesperson, said:

“The Government’s determination to end free movement shows that it’s completely out of touch with the needs and realities of modern Britain. As this collection of essays shows, continuing along its current path will cause immense damage to individuals, communities, businesses, and Britain’s reputation on the world stage.

The Government can’t take crucial decisions, which will affect future generations, in an echo chamber. And while the Migration Advisory Committee report, published this week, acknowledges the immense contribution of EEA migrants to the UK’s economy, it doesn’t go nearly far enough to safeguard their rights and protections.

It’s time for a fresh approach. Rather than pandering to fears over immigration, ministers need to act in the overwhelming public interest. This would involve abandoning its arbitrary net migration target which feeds the hostile environment, protecting the benefits of free movement, and investing in integration schemes that foster better connections within communities.

I urge the Government to listen to the voices in this collection, and use them to construct an open, fair, humane and efficient immigration policy that will benefit all.”

Ten recommendations to the UK Government

1.    End the hostile environment
2.    Do not diverge from the current free movement system
3.    Ensure the system is simple, transparent and accessible
4.    Ensure the system is low-cost and affordable
5.    Scrap the net migration target and end the refusal culture
6.    Secure an adequate intake of workers across all skill levels, from ‘low’ to ‘high’ skilled
7.    Guarantee there will be no further restrictions on family rights
8.    Keep pace with the EU on workers’ rights
9.    Invest in integration
10.    Remain open to the world and to our neighbours

Full list of contributors

Jan Doerfel Chambers: Jan Doerfel, Direct Access Immigration Barrister
Migrants’ Rights Network: Rita Chadha, Interim Director
British Future: Jill Rutter, Director of Strategy and Relationships
TUC (Trades Union Congress): Rosa Crawford, Policy Officer, and Elena Crasta, European Officer
Permits Foundation: Kathleen Van Der Wilk-Carlton, Board Member
NFU (National Farmers’ Union): Tamara Hill, Employment and Skills Adviser
EEF (the manufacturers’ organisation): Tim Thomas, Director of Employment and Skills Policy
FSB (Federation of Small Businesses): Michael Lassman, Regional Chairman – London
BMA (British Medical Association): Paul Laffin, EU Public Affairs Manager
Creative Industries Federation: Samuel Young, Deputy Head of Policy and Public Affairs
Centre for Global Higher Education: Dr Ludovic Highman, Senior Research Associate
British Youth Council: Lucia Jones, UK Young Ambassador
British in Europe: The Steering Committee, British in Europe

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London’s communities and projects will lose approximately £525.7m (€573m) each year in EU funding, according to a new study commissioned by Jean Lambert, London’s Green MEP.

The report, “Losing it over Brexit: What does the end of EU funding mean for London’s communities and projects?” maps the EU funding currently available to London’s communities, and calls on the Government to ensure that this gap is filled post-Brexit.

This total currently comes through a basket of pan-European funds, including [1]:

• European Structural and Investment Funds (ESIF) – approx. £116.6m (€107m) annually on job creation and creating a sustainable, healthy environment in London.

• Horizon 2020 – approx. £357.5m (€328m) annually research and innovation as a means of driving economic development and creating jobs in London.

• Erasmus Plus – approx. £8.7m (€8m) annually into modernising education, lifelong learning and youth work in London, and providing opportunities to study and work across Europe.

Jean finds that blocking access to these funds will have a disproportionate impact on disadvantaged communities, resulting in damaging cuts to projects that help London’s young people into work, improve accessibility for individuals with disabilities, and support refugee and migrant communities.

The changes are also likely to impact the creative sector, small businesses, technological research and innovation, and green projects focusing on vital issues such as food waste, recycling and energy efficiency [2].

It’s alarming that the Government is yet to even begin consulting on its Shared Prosperity Fund – the programme intended to replace this EU funding. There have been no formal proposals on how much of this funding will be replaced, how the new fund will be structured, and whether existing projects will benefit.

As a result, Jean is demanding that:

• London does not lose out on funding as a result of Brexit

• Any funding to replace lost EU funds is decentralised to City Hall

• The London Mayor undertakes an integrated impact assessment of the contribution of EU funds to London’s communities

• An evidence base is established of the impact of EU funding to London

• Evaluation of the last EU funding programme is used to draw good practice lessons and inform the new plans

Jean Lambert, London’s Green MEP, says:

“In the Government’s rush to secure a trade deal with the European Union, it has wilfully chosen to ignore a whole host of vital issues – including some which will make a real, visible difference to peoples’ lives in the UK.

We now know that the EU contributes more than £500m towards supporting London’s communities – from helping disadvantaged young people into work, to regenerating urban spaces. It would be a terrible mistake for the Government to throw this away. Yet, almost 18 months since the referendum, we’re still none the wiser as to how – or if – this vital funding will be replaced.

That’s why I’m calling on the Government and the London Mayor to ensure that London’s communities don’t lose out on funding as a result of Brexit. They must build a robust new funding regime, based on the most effective parts of the EU’s existing programme. Meanwhile, any new funds should be decentralised to City Hall which can ensure it reaches the Londoners who need it the most.

There’s a great deal at stake here. As high-level Brexit negotiations rumble on, it’s crucial that ministers don’t lose sight of the massive and successful funding pots at stake. We need concrete guarantees that London’s people and communities will not be harmed by their reckless, blinkered approach to Brexit.”

Notes:

[1] Breakdown of estimated total:

ESIF: €106,942,857
Horizon 2020: €328,333,333
Erasmus Plus: €7,792,771
MEEF/LEEF/European Investment Bank: €100,000,000
Other: €29,970,586
Total: €573,039,548
Other consists of funding from: EaSI, LIFE, Rights Equality and Citizenship, Health Programme, Europe for Citizens, Interreg NW Europe, Creative Europe Desk.

[2] Examples of EU funded projects currently active in London:

Love London Working
This is a London-wide programme helping 21,000 unemployed people overcome barriers they face to finding work, whether health issues, disabilities or single parenthood. It offers training opportunities and financial support, and assists with job applications, CV training, interview practice and work placements.
https://www.lovelondonworking.com/

Greentech Access to Innovation
This programme helps business start-ups and SMEs develop innovative low carbon products and services. It utilises academic expertise from within London South Bank University and skills from industry partners, teaching new skills to young businesses through workshops and consultancies.
http://reilabs.co.uk/programmes/a2i/​

West London Skills Escalator
Since April 2015, this programme has aimed to support 260 working people on low incomes. It hopes to help them obtain higher paid work, and open up entry-level opportunities for unemployed people who can also begin their journey up the employment ladder.
http://www.wla.london/pages/WLA-435

RISE
This programme helps refugees and asylum seekers in 10 London boroughs to find work, providing English lessons, help with benefits and housing, and mentoring services.
http://www.renaisi.com/rise/

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It outlines some of the issues she’s been working on in November – from fighting the deportation of EU nationals to promoting the real Living Wage Week to calling for greater ambition in London’s Environment Strategy and much more…

Read the newsletter in full here.

To receive monthly updates about Jean’s work as London’s Green MEP please sign up here.

The post Jean Lambert MEP November E-News appeared first on Jean Lambert MEP.

It outlines some of the issues she’s been working on in October – from celebrating the award of a European Citizen’s Prize to Brexpats, to the European Parliament advocating the phasing out of toxic weedkiller glyphosate, from working on the London Environment strategy to remembering murdered journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia and much more…

Read the newsletter in full here.

To receive monthly updates about Jean’s work as London’s Green MEP please sign up here.

The post Jean Lambert MEP’s October E-Newsletter appeared first on Jean Lambert MEP.

To receive monthly updates about Jean’s work as London’s Green MEP please sign up here.

The post Jean Lambert MEP May e-news appeared first on Jean Lambert MEP.

I have always supported free movement of people and believe this freedom to travel, live, work, and retire in other EU member states to be one of the greatest achievements of the European Union project.

As Britain begins the process of leaving the European Union, I feel tremendous sadness at the loss of opportunities that will result for Britons by ending this relationship. I also feel sadness at how Britain could lose such richness in terms of talent and vitality by restricting those who come to these shores.

I am, however determined to ensure that those who have come to the UK from other EU countries in the past and built a life here, contributed economically, culturally, socially, who put down roots and started families here – as was their right to do so – have their rights protected. Yes, Britain will no longer be a part of the European Union, but those who came in good faith to the UK and those Britons who did likewise and set up home in other EU countries, should not be penalised for the new landscape in which they find themselves.

Since the EU referendum vote, I have been working to ensure their voices are heard and that genuine solutions are found. This has been done working both at EU and UK level, and using a number of different tools to raise awareness, and to assure people that we the Greens stand with them.

I list here of some of the actions I have taken to do this. This list will be updated as I continue to push to ensure the rights of EU nationals in the UK and UK nationals in the EU are protected – People Before Borders!

Actions taken and ongoing

• On 4^th May I submitted a Freedom of Information Request to the British Government on the issue of comprehensive sickness insurance. This relates to the submission made to the European Commission made by my colleague Sophie In’T’Veld on 18^th April and seeks information on the infringement procedure taken by the European Commission but from the UK Government.

• On 3^rd May I co-signed a Question to the European Commission on the concerning report that local and national authorities in the UK seem to be acting as if EU citizens’ rights have been “suspended” for UK citizens, in anticipation of Brexit and asking the European Commission ensure that the EU citizenship rights of UK citizens living in other EU countries will be respected and effectively guaranteed during the full period that the UK is a member of the EU

• On the 30^th April I published the Polish version of our Factsheet “The Rights of EU nationals on the EU” – “PRAWA OBYWATELI UE W UK”

• On 18th April my colleague on the European Parliament Citizen’s Taskforce – Sophie In’T’Veld requested the documents relating to infringement procedures against the UK on the basis of it’s application of the Freedom of Movement Directive 2004/38/EC from the European Commission. This procedure was launched in 2011 as the British Government claimed that those who were economically inactive for a period of time while living in the UK should have needed to take out private health insurance. Since this was never made clear to EU nationals coming to the country and the European Union felt the policy was incompatible with EU Freedom of Movement rules, it began legal action against the UK Government which is ongoing.

• On 29th March, following the triggering of Article 50, the Europe Parliament Citizens’ Taskforce again called for the rights of EU nationals in the UK and British nationals in other EU countries to be the assured as a priority. I also voted in favour of a strong Resolution from the European Parliament on Brexit which reiterated the same commitment.

• On 27^th March as part of the European Parliament’s Citizens’ Taskforce I wrote to the UK Immigration Minister Robert Goodwill calling on him to guarantee the rights of EU nationals in the UK post-Brexit and to clear up the issue of comprehensive sickness insurance, which the Government has been using as a means to deny residency rights.

• During the week 13^th March of I had a letter published in a number of local London papers in which I highlighted the risks to London that comes from an uncertain immigration policy towards EU nationals

• On 10th March my second blog post for Reconnecting Europe entitled “End the Uncertainty for EU nationals in the UK and UK nationals in the EU now!” was published.

• Following on from the oral question of 13^th February, on the 9^th March the European Parliament Citizens’ Taskforce sent a letter to the European Commissioner for Justice asking for a more satisfactory response to the question, as it was felt that the response failed to address the issues raised.

• On the 1^st March I spoke in the European Parliament, to the Commissioner for Justice highlighting the huge concern and stress arising from the uncertain and precarious situation EU citizens in the UK and British citizens in other EU countries face as a result of the UK’s decision to leave the EU.

• During the plenary session of week 13^th February the European Parliament Citizen’s Taskforce asked an oral question to the Commission on the issue of breaches of rights to freedom of movement on the part of the UK.

• On 10^th February my first blog post for the Reconnecting Europe website entitled “Brexit Bill: British MPs have failed to stand up for Parliamentary Democracy” was published.

• On 7th February the London Evening Standard published a letter I wrote calling on Theresa May to do the decent thing and guarantee the rights of EU nationals in the UK

• In January I became part of a cross-party European parliament Taskforce which is investigating the British government’s treatment of EU nationals living in the UK who have applied for citizenship or permanent residency since the Brexit vote. As part of this Taskforce on 2nd February we wrote to Theresa May to raise the lack of regard being shown by the Home Office to EU citizens living and working in the UK, while also expressing concern for UK expatriates living in the EU.

• On 31st January I was interviewed on BBC Radio London and called on the UK Parliament to ensure the government enters the negotiations on exiting the EU with clear principle of guaranteeing rights of EU nationals in the UK and UK nationals in the EU (at approx minute 37)

• On 24th January Green World magazine published an article I wrote entitled “Defending EU nationals in the UK”.

• On 23^rd January I wrote to the European Commissioner for Justice on the infringement procedures against the UK on the basis of their policy around the need for comprehensive sickness insurance for economically non-active EU nationals. This follows on from my Written Question to the European Commission of 20th October 2016.

•  On 11^th January as Green candidate for President of the European Parliament, in a live, web-streamed debate I pledged to defend the historic rights of EU nationals in the UK and said if not upheld this could form a legitimate reason to veto Brexit when I will vote on the deal as an MEP.

• On 11^th November 2016 I hosted a meeting with a range of experts and professionals in the field of Freedom of Movement to discuss what kind of options there could be for EU nationals in the UK and UK nationals in other EU countries. The speakers included Matthew Evans of the Aire Centre, Jill Rutter, of British Future, Prof Bernard Ryan of the University of Leicester, Rob Young of the National Union of Students, Debra Williams of Brexpats and Roger Casale of New Europeans.

• I have had meetings with a number of the groups representing EU nationals in the UK and UK nationals in other EU countries and continue to maintain contact with them so we can continue to engage together. These include the 3 million campaign, Brexpats and New Europeans

• On 20^th October I submitted a Written Question to the European Commission raising concerns about the refusal of the Home Office to recognise the residence rights of EU nationals who are students and homemakers if they do not hold private healthcare insurance. The Commissioner responsible confirmed that infringement proceedings were ongoing against the UK government.

Useful resources

•  On 7^th November 2016 I produced a Factsheet entitled “The Rights of EU nationals in the UK”

Written by Colin Yeo, barrister at Garden Court Chambers, it answers several of the most commonly-asked questions in these uncertain times following the vote to leave the European Union (‘Brexit’).

• I have created a short video outlining why I and the Greens support Freedom of Movement and will fight to maintain it.

Press Releases, updates to constituents and links to my newsletter in which I have called on the UK government to guarantee the rights of EU nationals in the UK and UK nationals resident in other EU countries

• 13^th March  letter published in a number of local London papers in which I highlighted the risks to London that comes from an uncertain immigration policy towards EU nationals

• 10th March my second blog post for Reconnecting Europe entitled “End the Uncertainty for EU nationals in the UK and UK nationals in the EU now!” was published.

• 10^th February my blog post for the Reconnecting Europe website  “Brexit Bill: British MPs have failed to stand up for Parliamentary Democracy” was published.

•  7th February the London Evening Standard published a letter I wrote calling on Theresa May to do the decent thing and guarantee the rights of EU nationals in the UK

•  24th January Published article for Green World magazine “Defending EU nationals in the UK”

• January 2017 Jean Lambert MEP e-news

• 24 January 2017 Jean’s response to the Supreme Court ruling on Article 50

• 17 January Jean reacts to Theresa May’s speech on Brexit

• 10 January 2017 Guarantee the rights of EU citizens in the UK – urges Jean Lambert MEP This was in response to a letter from Home Office refusing to guarantee rights and status of EU citizens in the UK and UK citizens elsewhere in the EU

• November 2016 Jean Lambert MEP e-news

• 30 November 2016 UK Government must end ‘awful uncertainty’ on status of EU citizens This was in response to a letter from European Council President on the status of EU citizens in the UK and UK citizens elsewhere in the EU

• October 2016 Jean Lambert MEP e-news

• 10^th October 2016 After the Referendum – EU Update

• 20^th September 2016 It’s a myth that immigration affects wages – we must fight to protect free movement

• 15^th September 2016 Letter to the Polish Ambassador condemning violence towards the Polish community in the UK

• July 2016 Jean Lambert MEP e-news

• 18^th July 2016 EU nationals must have right to remain

• 1^st July 2016 After the EU referendum – an update

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Odpowiedzi na najczęściej zadawane pytania, które pojawiły się w wyniku głosowania w sprawie opuszczenia Unii Europejskiej (Brexit) opracował Colin Yeo, adwokat przy Garden Court Chambers. Informacje w języku angielskim można pobrać tutaj.

Broszury w obu językach można zamówić w biurze Jean Lambert.

_________________________
PRAWA OBYWATELI UE W UK

Zgodnie z prawem Unii Europejskiej każdy obywatel UE może swobodnie przyjechać i zamieszkać w jakimkolwiek innym państwie członkowskim UE.
Wielu obywateli UE wybrało Wielką Brytanię na swój dom – szacuje się, że w Wielkiej Brytanii mieszka obecnie 3,5 miliona obywateli UE.

1. Czym jest prawo pobytu według uregulowań UE?

Prawo pobytu w UE różni się nieco od prawa do przyjazdu i zamieszkania w innym państwie członkowskim. Osoba posiadająca prawo pobytu ma pewne dodatkowe przywileje, takie jak:

• prawo do pobytu dla niektórych członków rodziny, nawet jeśli pochodzą spoza UE;
• uprawnienie do równego traktowania w kwestii świadczeń socjalnych, takich jak zasiłek dla osób poszukujących pracy i zasiłek mieszkaniowy;
• po pięciu kolejnych latach automatyczne uzyskanie prawa stałego pobytu.

Do czasu formalnego opuszczenia Unii Europejskiej (Brexit) obywatele UE mogą nadal wjeżdżać oraz zamieszkać w Wielkiej Brytanii bez formalnego prawa pobytu. Po Brexicie oczekuje się, że obywatele UE posiadający prawo pobytu czy stałego pobytu zachowają swoje przywileje, ale nie wiadomo jeszcze, jakie zasady będą miały zastosowanie wobec obywateli UE bez formalnego prawa pobytu.

2. Kto ma formalne prawo pobytu według prawa UE?

Formalne prawo pobytu jest nabywane automatycznie, jeśli obywatel UE:

• jest zatrudniony,
• jest samozatrudniony,
• studiuje (i posiada pełne ubezpieczenie zdrowotne) lub
• jest samowystarczalny (i posiada pełne ubezpieczenie zdrowotne).

3. Co liczy się jako zatrudnienie?

Pracownik uznawany jest za osobę zatrudnioną, jeśli otrzymuje wynagrodzenie za pracę pod nadzorem i kierownictwem innych. Praca w niepełnym wymiarze czasu oraz praca nisko opłacana liczą się jako praca w prawie UE, z wyjątkiem sytuacji, w których zarobki spadają poniżej pewnego poziomu. Umowy nieregulujące godzin pracy mogą się również liczyć, podobnie jak prace okresowe lub sezonowe.

Osoba szukająca pracy lub bezrobotna zachowuje status pracownika przez określony czas. To może trwać dłużej niż 6 miesięcy, jeśli osoba może wykazać, że miała prawdziwą szansę uzyskania zatrudnienia. Osoba pozostaje pracownikiem podczas urlopu macierzyńskiego i przez około 12 miesięcy po urodzeniu dziecka. Może również pozostać pracownikiem, jeżeli musi zakończyć pracę z powodu wypadku lub choroby.

4. Co definiuje samozatrudnienie?

Nie zawsze łatwo jest stwierdzić różnicę między zatrudnieniem a samozatrudnieniem, ale obie formy przyznają prawo pobytu. Osoba, która ma zarejestrowaną działalność gospodarczą i podejmuje pracę na umowę, pracuje na własny rachunek. Podobnie jak w przypadku osób zatrudnionych praca w niepełnym wymiarze i niskie zarobki nie stanowią problemu, urlop macierzyński jest dozwolony, a status w pewnych okolicznościach może zostać zachowany. Jednak samozatrudnienie może okazać się trudniejsze do wykazania.

5. Co definiuje status studenta?

Nauka w szkole lub uniwersytecie liczy się jako studia. Jednak student musi posiadać pełne ubezpieczenie zdrowotne, aby mieć formalne prawo pobytu według prawa unijnego.

6. Co definiuje samowystarczalność?

Posiadanie wystarczających do utrzymania się środków finansowych bez konieczności korzystania ze świadczeń publicznych określa się jako samowystarczalność. Nie muszą to być znaczące środki i mogą pochodzić od współmałżonka lub członków rodziny albo z emerytury, oszczędności czy inwestycji. Osoba musi jednak posiadać pełne ubezpieczenie zdrowotne, aby mieć formalne prawo pobytu.

7. Co to jest pełne ubezpieczenie zdrowotne?

Obywatele UE w Wielkiej Brytanii mogą korzystać z Narodowej Służby Zdrowia (NHS), ale nie liczy się to jako pełne ubezpieczenie zdrowotne dla studentów i osób samowystarczalnych. Istnieją dwa sposoby wykazania, że posiada się pełne ubezpieczenie na wypadek choroby:

• posiadanie Europejskiej Karty Ubezpieczenia Zdrowotnego (EHIC), wydanej w kraju pochodzenia lub jednego z formularzy unijnych S1, S2 lub S3;
• wykupienie prywatnej kompleksowej polisy ubezpieczeniowej.

8. Kto uznawany jest za członka rodziny?

Członkowie rodziny są zdefiniowani w prawie UE jako:

• małżonek lub partner cywilny;
• dzieci lub wnuki poniżej 21. roku życia (lub powyżej 21. roku, jeśli pozostają na utrzymaniu) obywatela UE lub jego małżonka, lub partnera cywilnego
• rodzice lub dziadkowie pozostający na utrzymaniu obywatela UE lub jego współmałżonka, lub partnera cywilnego (nie dotyczy studentów).

Również inni krewni mogą korzystać z prawa UE, w tym: osoby pozostające w stałym związku partnerskim i krewni lub członkowie gospodarstwa domowego, którzy pozostawali na utrzymaniu obywatela UE przed jego wjazdem do Wielkiej Brytanii.

9. Co to jest stały pobyt i jak go uzyskać?

Stały pobyt to prawo do zamieszkania w Wielkiej Brytanii na stałe. Może być utracone tylko w wyniku dwuletniej nieobecności w Wielkiej Brytanii lub na skutek trwającego postępowania deportacyjnego podjętego na przykład z powodu popełnienia przestępstwa. Stały pobyt jest nabywany automatycznie po pięciu latach, jeśli spełnia się kwalifikujące kryteria (praca, samozatrudnienie, studia lub samowystarczalność). Te pięć lat nie musi być ostatnimi pięcioma latami, np.: osoba, która pracowała przez pięć lat od 2004 do 2009 r. i od tamtej pory mieszka w Wielkiej Brytanii, nabyła prawo stałego pobytu w 2009 i posiada je dzisiaj. Obywatel UE może (ale nie musi) ubiegać się o dowód posiadania stałego pobytu.

10. Czy trzeba ubiegać się o prawo stałego pobytu już teraz?

Brexit wywołał falę niepokoju wśród żyjących w Wielkiej Brytanii obywateli UE. Rząd brytyjski złożył ograniczone zapewnienie, że obywatele UE przebywający obecnie w Wielkiej Brytanii będą mogli pozostać. Jednakże w chwili pisania tego dokumentu nie są dostępne żadne informacje i nie wiadomo, jaki rodzaj statusu będzie oferowany, ani czy będzie jakakolwiek różnica w traktowaniu osób, które mają prawo stałego pobytu, zamieszkania czy też bez formalnego prawa pobytu.

11. Jak złożyć wniosek?

Wielu obywateli UE, przygotowując się do Brexitu, decyduje się ubiegać o dowód posiadania prawa zamieszkania lub stałego pobytu. Nie ma potrzeby składania wniosków już teraz, ale wielu prawników imigracyjnych uważa, że lepiej przygotować się na ewentualne problemy wcześniej, aby można było na czas podjąć działania zaradcze. Złożenie wniosku kosztuje obecnie 65 funtów. Ministerstwo Spraw Wewnętrznych udostępnia formularze na swojej stronie internetowej (gov.uk), jak również oferuje możliwość składania wniosków online.

Autor Colin Yeo, adwokat przy Garden Court Chambers, Londyn.

Publikacja Jean Lambert, posłanki Parlamentu Europejskiego, polityczki Parlamentu Europejskiego dla Londynu z ramienia Partii Zielonych

Niniejszy arkusz został sporządzony w listopadzie 2016 r. i ma za zadanie przekazywać jedynie ogólne informacje. Należy zawsze szukać aktualnej porady prawnej, ponieważ prawo mogło się zmienić. Autor i wydawca nie ponoszą odpowiedzialności za jakiekolwiek konsekwencje wykorzystania informacji zawartych w niniejszej broszurze.

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Download Brexit: Green Guarantees here (paper copies available on request). Full text of publication below:

Brexit: Green Guarantees
– working for the best deal for you post-referendum

Twelve per cent of London’s population are from other EU countries. Around thirteen per cent of the five million jobs in London – 600,000 jobs – are held by such workers. What would London be without these European citizens, who contribute so vastly to our city’s economic, social and cultural life?

Many key employment rights enjoyed by British workers originated in Brussels. Imagine if the right to paid annual leave, health and safety protection at work and parental leave didn’t exist?

80% of all environmental laws in the UK including vital rules pushing the Government to reduce air pollution in London and the UK come from the EU. What if those rules were torn-up? What kind of city, country and planet would we inhabit?

As the UK readies itself to leave the European Union, I will fight to ensure you are as protected as possible from the ill effects of Brexit.

I will work to uphold vital EU workers and environmental safeguards and I will continue to push for free movement in Europe: to ensure the rights of our other EU citizens are guaranteed here together with the rights of UK nationals living elsewhere in the EU.

Leaving the EU should not mean turning our back on our neighbours, our global responsibilities, and our planet. The end deal should not reduce the important protections we have or make us a trade and tax paradise for big business. As an MEP, I get a vote on that final deal. Shouldn’t UK citizens also be asked if they think it’s good enough?

Greens cannot sign up to Theresa May’s extreme Brexit.

To ensure social, environmental and economic justice your Green MEPs are fighting for five Green Guarantees:

1. Environment
A guarantee that important environmental laws safeguarding our air and water, protecting animals and wildlife habitats, supporting our food and farming sectors and governing our renewable energy targets will be kept or strengthened. Greens call for a new Environmental Protection Act, a new Clean Air Act, and a reformed farming subsidy scheme that puts sustainable agriculture first. These protections must be legally enforced.

2. Free Movement
A guarantee that the rights of all EU nationals living in the UK and all UK citizens living in the EU will be upheld; we cannot let Brexit break up families and tear apart our communities. Greens believe in defending the principle of Free Movement; a right that millions of UK and EU citizens enjoy. The Government must also uphold its moral and legal duties towards refugees in the face of an unprecedented humanitarian crisis; we must reverse our decision to abandon child refugees.

3. Young People
A guarantee that young people will continue to enjoy the freedom to travel, study and work across Europe and access to EU-funded schemes such as Erasmus and student exchanges.

4. Tax and Trade
A guarantee that the UK will not engage in a race to the bottom on tax rates, workers’ rights or consumer protections. We want cast iron assurances that the Government will not sign Britain up to damaging new international trade deals that hand power to multinational corporations. As Greens we believe that the protection of jobs, the environment, and workers’ rights is most easily achieved by remaining inside the single market.

5. Democracy
A guarantee of electoral and constitutional reform. The EU referendum was supposed to signal the start of a democratic process and Greens believe now is the time for democratic renewal. We want a Great Reform Bill, to deliver a fair and proportional election system, reform of the House of Lords, to combat its democratic deficit, and a written constitution.

We are also calling for a ‘ratification’ referendum.
The government has little or no idea what the alternatives to EU membership will look like. All we do know is that they are leading us towards an extreme form of Brexit which could result in the UK exiting the EU without any deal in place. It is therefore only right and democratic that the people of the UK have an opportunity to accept or reject the future that is on offer at the end of the two-year Article 50 process through a further ‘ratification’ referendum.

Download Brexit: Green Guarantees here.

Email jeanlambert@greenmeps.org.uk to request paper copies.

ENDS

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