Priti Patel has been taken into court to discuss a Brexit rule that could lead to up to two millions EU citizens in Britain losing their right of work and even being deported.
According to a settlement reached with Brussels, Europeans that could establish they have been in Europe for five or more years were entitled to’settled’ status. While those who were not able to prove their existence were denied ‘presettled’ status.
According to the Independent Monitoring Authority, which oversees the Withdrawal Agreement’s implementation, the Home Office demands that pre-settled applicants reapply to the main scheme.
They could lose their ability to access UK benefits or work, and could even be made to leave the UK.
The UK is seeking to have the matter thrown out of court, claiming that the proposed change violates the Citizens Rights Agreements between it and the EU.

Priti Patel has been taken into court to discuss a Brexit rule that could lead to up to two millions EU citizens in Britain losing their right of work and even being deported.

Kathryn Chamberlain (CEO of the IMA) said: “By taking legal action now, we hope that we can provide clarity to those citizens with presettled statut, which is 2.485 millions as of November 30, 2021.”
The Government is accused of ‘failure to correctly implement the United Kingdom’s obligations’ under the treaty.
“The Secretary of State believes that pre-settled citizens from the EU or EEA EFTA who have applied successfully for it may lose it if they fail to apply again,” it says.
These individuals must submit a second request within five years after the grant of presettled status. They can either apply for settled status according to the EUSS (once the applicant is eligible for permanent residency) or for another period of presettled status. The Secretary of State may consider that they are unlawfully present in Britain if the applicant fails to submit a request for one of the two statuses.
“The Claimant believes that this will result in them being exposed to serious consequences, which could affect their rights to work, live and receive social security benefits in the UK. This claimant claims that it is inconsistent with the Agreements. These agreements do not allow for loss of status.
Kathryn Chamberlain (CEO of the IMA) said: “By taking legal action now, we hope that we can provide clarity to those citizens with presettled statut, which is 2.485 millions as of November 30, 2021.”
For comment, the Home Office was contacted.