Call for foreign nationals working in our NHS to be granted leave to remain in the UK

Alistair Cameron, Welsh Liberal Democrat National Assembly Candidate for Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire has called on the Home Secretary Priti Patel to award indefinite leave to remain to all foreign nationals working in our NHS as we face the unprecedented threat of coronavirus.

This follows a move from Liberal Democrat MP Christine Jardine and Shadow Justice Secretary Rt. Hon David Lammy MP who have written to the Home Secretary urging her to grant foreign nationals working in the NHS indefinite leave to remain. They have been backed by a cross party group of over 60 MPs.

Alistair said: “Thousands of the doctors, nurses and support staff who work in our NHS – the people on the frontline of this crisis – are foreign nationals. Our beloved NHS could not function and lives would be lost at this difficult time without their contribution.

“Like the rest of our wonderful NHS staff, they are taking personal risks to make sure we get the care we need.

“We cannot thank them enough for the brave and tireless work they are doing in such difficult circumstances and under such intense pressure.

“The very least we can do is to say that those who are putting their lives at risk for our country are welcome to live in it.

“The idea that anyone who has worked so hard to save lives during this emergency might one day be forced to leave should be unthinkable. They and their families should be granted the right to settle here, without the costs or bureaucratic hurdles that are usually involved.”