Brexit Couples: Lived Experiences and Research Insights

On Monday 19 October 2026, New Europeans UK joined the APPG on Citizens’ Rights in the House of Commons for “Brexit Couples: lived experiences and research insights”. 

The event looked at the impact of Brexit on couples and families split or strained by changes to immigration rules and citizens’ rights. The meeting was held in person in Westminster and livestreamed. It was chaired by Manuela Perteghella MP, Chair of the APPG on Citizens’ Rights, who spoke about her own experience of post-Brexit immigration rules and family life. Two leading researchers joined her:

• Professor Helena Wray, University of Exeter, who presented her research on migration and family immigration policy.
• Professor Katharine Charsley, Professor in Migration Studies at the University of Bristol, who offered research perspectives on couples and families affected by Brexit.

Alongside the research, the event heard personal testimonies from people living the reality of “Brexit couples”: partners separated by income thresholds, paperwork and uncertainty. [Add one or two specific points or stories from the session.] New Europeans UK’s role New Europeans UK was represented by Ruvi Ziegler, Chair, and Tamara Flanagan OBE, Head of Projects. [Add what they did, for example: Ruvi spoke on the legal position of affected families, and Tamara presented evidence gathered from our members.] “[Quote from Ruvi Ziegler on why the rights of Brexit couples and their families must be protected.]”
— Ruvi Ziegler, Chair, New Europeans UK “[Quote from Tamara Flanagan OBE on what families have told us and the next steps.]”
— Tamara Flanagan OBE, Head of Projects, New Europeans UK What happens next The discussion turned to what further action is needed to support affected families. [Add any agreed next steps, for example evidence to be submitted, follow-up meetings or policy asks.] New Europeans UK will keep working with the APPG on Citizens’ Rights so that the voices of these families are heard in Parliament. Get involved

• Are you part of a Brexit couple? [Add how people can share their story, for example an email address or form.]
• Join the Friends of New Europeans UK network to support our work on citizens’ rights: steady.page/en/im-a-new-european/about