As I understand it, I am now to formally move my amendment. I think I have the opportunity just to say a few words, and they will be a few.
I gave two specific examples: first, someone dependent on their spouse, so self-sufficient but without sickness insurance, and, secondly, someone unable to enter the labour market due to a disability and so not working. I asked the Government to confirm that in neither of those examples would the individual be covered by this SI. In my opinion, I did not get a specific yes or no. I was left with the strong impression from what was said that, even though in both examples the individuals affected would be eligible for the EU settlement scheme, they would not be protected during the grace period by this SI if still seeking settled status as they would be in the category of those deemed not to be exercising EU free movement rights.
We need clarity. We need the Government to put wording in this SI that reflects what the Minister said in Committee on the Bill in the Commons about
protection during the grace period for all EEA nationals and their family members. I wish to test the opinion of the House on my amendment.