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ePaper created 2017-06-15, 09:30:22 | version 1.38.0
Dental Tribune United Kingdom Edition | 4/2017 OPINION 5 Rights of EU citizens after the Brexit: An unresolved issue By Amanda Maskery, UK Through the UK’s impending exit from the European Union, much uncertainty has been created around the position of EU citizens in the country, including those who currently work in the health care sector. After the result of last year’s referendum, in which the UK voted to leave the EU, the formal process of withdrawal duly began when Article 50 of the Treaty of Lisbon was invoked in March. The wave of negotiations for the Brexit is now underway. EU member states have called for the rights of their citizens to be pro- tected and have sought assurances from the UK to that effect. The gov- ernment’s immediate and continuing response has been to state that rights for EU citizens will be determined in the Brexit negotiations, along with everything else to be considered. Of course, this will raise serious concerns for the millions of EU cit- izens living in the UK, and indeed, the millions of UK citizens living in the EU. Both groups of people cur- rently face uncertainty until their position is determined through the conclusion of negotiations, the timescale for which is unknown. The right to work and live in an EU member state derives from the free movement of persons, a fundamental treaty right. When the UK leaves the EU, on terms yet to be determined, the risk does exist that the free move- ment of persons will be lost, unless it can be negotiated to the satisfaction of both the UK government and the remaining EU member states. Any deal on the free movement of persons for the benefit of the UK will require a commitment to the EU by the UK on preserving the rights of EU citizens currently residing in the UK and will no doubt require a commitment that the UK will allow the future free movement of persons. After the impending UK general election on 8 June, the next prime minister will have the unenviable task of undertaking the Brexit negotia- tions. Naturally, EU citizens will be con- cerned as to what deal will be secured on a host of matters, immigration be- ing but one. Until the negotiations have been finalised, EU citizens who have lived in the UK for at least five years may have the option of British citizenship, should they wish to seek it. Amanda Maskery is one of the UK’s leading den tal lawyers. She is Chair of the Asso - ciation of Specia- list Providers to Dentists (ASPD) in the UK and a Partner at Sintons law firm in Newcastle. Amanda can be contacted at amanda.maskery@sintons.co.uk. A British citizen has the right to permanently live and work in the UK without any immigration restric- tions; this is otherwise known as a right of abode. Under the current Brit- ish citizenship rules, those aged 18 and over and of good character who meet the knowledge of English and life in the UK requirements and who have lived in the UK for five years be- fore the date of their application can apply to become a British citizen. Such persons can apply on behalf of chil- dren younger than 18 (and those chil- dren do not need to pass any tests). For EU citizens seeking some certainty and control over their fu- ture, an application for British cit- izenship may be the immediate answer. AD Reveal everything Finally, your patients can see a clear picture of their brushing habits. The easy-to-use Philips Sonicare FlexCare Platinum Connected reveals your patients’ habits and helps coach them into a better oral care routine. • • • Smart Sensor Technology: Location, scrubbing and pressure sensors track patients’ brushing in real-time to improve technique and coverage 3D mouth-map technology provides post-brushing analysis to help patients focus on trouble areas Personalised TouchUp feature encourages patients to go over spots they’ve missed for a more complete clean Call 0800 0567 222 or contact your sales representative to set up a lunch and learn and be the first to experience the latest connected technology www.philips.co.uk/dentalprofessional *US dental professionals Sonic toothbrush brand Recommended by Dental Professionals*