Bishop Robert has issued a statement as a new UK Government is formed under Prime Minister, The Rt. Hon. Boris Johnson MP.

Bishop Robert said:

"Seen from my Diocese, continental Europeans care very much about us in the UK, and for the future relationship we choose to define with the European Union. 

The UK currently finds itself simultaneously in deadlock at home, and at an impasse with the rest of the EU.   

I take a close interest in the way in which over 3 million EU citizens are being treated and represented, particularly in the Brexit context: 2 million plus EU27 citizens resident in the UK, as well as the estimated 1.2 million UK nationals living in the EU27.  

It is no wonder many people in my Diocese believe they are seen as ‘a forgotten million’ by the UK Government. 

There are a huge range of issues that are concerning people, not least on citizens’ rights issues around residency, healthcare, working, doing business, drawing pensions, travelling, and studying.  

A no deal scenario would be disastrous for the UK, and I urge the new UK Prime Minister and Government to do everything they can to avoid it."