There are a thousand and one implications for people living in this country, as the Tory government now prepares to leave the EU.

Two of the most concerned groups will be UK nationals living in the EU and EU nationals living in York.

Some may choose to apply to change their nationality (citizenship) to the country that they now live in. Some may qualify for dual nationality.

At the moment you can apply for British Citizenship after living in the UK for 5 years or more.

There are arguments for applying. Not least, having a voice in local affairs. At the moment EU nationals can vote in local elections in York and can stand as candidates. At the last York Council elections, at least one EU national was elected to the local Council.  That may now change.

Only resident UK citizens, Irish Republic passport holders and those from some Commonwealth countries can vote in UK General Elections.  (This may account for the apparent increase in applications to become Irish Citizens over the last couple of days!) How the historic rights of Irish citizens will fare in the current turmoil remains to be seen.

One thing is clear though –  there won’t be any European Parliamentary elections for any UK voter in 2019!

We don’t appear to have a functioning UK government at present (or official Opposition for that matter) so we hope that the York Council will move quickly to offer advice and support for non UK citizens living in the City who may be alarmed by recent events.

They contribute to our vibrant and varied local community. We enjoy a greater range of shops, restaurants and entertainments than otherwise might be available. Many migrants are the mainstays of public services like the NHS and social care. Some, if we’re honest, do the jobs that the indigenous population won’t, or can’t, do.

Life would be harder – probably much harder – without them.