Brussels To Block UK Carrying Out Criminal Record Checks On EU Nationals

Brussels is aiming to prevent the UK government from undertaking criminal record checks on EU nationals who apply for settled status in Britain post Brexit. Negotiators in Brussels are urging the European Court of Justice to overrule the implementation of any agreement on citizens’ rights, however, the UK have strongly criticised this move. Currently, the proposals would allow anyone who has lived in the UK for five years to be given ‘settled status’ and this would allow them to secure their position in the country. Anyone arriving after the triggering of Article 50, but before a cut-off date which is yet to be decided, would also have the opportunity to stay in the UK for 5 years and gain status. The proposal would restrict the right to give EU nationals the freedom to bring over family members to the UK. Britain insists that EU nationals’ criminal record checks should be checked when they apply for settled status and wants other European countries to follow suit, however, the EU will not permit such checks.