Tory minister says EU citizens fleeing domestic abuse should go home
Tory minister says EU citizens
fleeing domestic abuse should
go home
EXCLUSIVE
UK Immigration Minister Caroline Nokes is under fire for comments
UK IMMIGRATION Minister Caroline Nokes has said that vulnerable EU migrant women living in Scotland and fleeing domestic abuse should just return to their own countries, it has emerged.
Nokes made the statement in a letter to Kirsty Blackman MP, who is campaigning for a change in law to stop EU women who are judged not to be exercising their treaty rights – because they are not working, studying or able to support themselves – having to choose between staying in a dangerous, abusive relationship or facing destitution.
Blackman said that she was shocked by Nokes letter and branded the Home Office “heartless” and “wilfully ignorant”.
The SNP Aberdeen North MP, who launched a 10-minute bill on the issue last month, shared correspondence with the Sunday National in which Nokes claims “temporary migrants” fleeing domestic violence should return to their home countries.
Where they are prevented from leaving with their children, she concedes they may have reason to stay but should “turn to the courts” or look to local authorities to support them, the minister said.
Campaigners have warned that many migrant women are being left to select from a range of “horrendous options” including remaining in a relationship where they may be murdered, losing custody of their children, or being criminalised for fleeing with them.
Blackman said she was in touch with an increasing number of EU constituents denied public funds, leaving them facing potentially life-threatening situations. Though a legal concession was recently introduced for those on spousal visas, allowing them support for three months while they apply for ongoing support or leave to remain, this is not available for EU women.
Blackman wrote to Secretary of State Sajid Javid last November highlighting the issue. “Many women in a domestically abusive relationship are not afforded the opportunity to work prior to or following the birth of any children and therefore do not qualify for settled status,” she wrote.
“This leaves them unable to claim any benefits and many are left destitute following the breakdown of the relationship.
“This also forces many to return to their abusive partners in an effort to avoid financial hardship.”
One constituent, she explained in the letter, had not only been refused benefits but had been prevented from leaving Scotland due to a court order from the father of her children.
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