MORE than five million applications have been made by EU citizens to stay in the UK despite us leaving the bloc.

Home Office stats out today show the number creeping over the landmark — with those with “settled status” given the same rights as Brits.

Priti Patel will also announce £4.5million cash boost to help vulnerable Europeans living here apply for the scheme.

The Home Secretary welcomes the massive numbers who had “contributed so much to the UK culturally, economically and socially”.

She added: “They are our friends, neighbours and colleagues and, from the very beginning, we have been clear we want them to stay.

“That is why we put people at the heart of the scheme, knowing that behind these applications are stories of those who have established roots here.

“We promised we would make it as straightforward as possible for them to continue living their lives here.

“So I’m immensely proud that figures will show five million applications to the EU Settlement Scheme.”

Poles, Romanians and Italians are top in the scheme.

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And most of the applications — about 91 per cent — are from people looking to stay in England.

The cash will be handed to 72 organisations who support vulnerable people who apply, on top of £17million already given.

The scheme has been open for 18 months and will close on June 30.

CLARIFICATION: The 5 million figure was the number of applications for UK residence by EU citizens, not the number of individuals who have applied as this article originally stated. We are happy to clarify, and we have amended the article accordingly.

Priti Patel, Home Secretary

From the day the British people voted to leave the EU, we made an unwavering commitment to EU citizens living in the UK.

We promised we would make it as simple and straightforward as possible for them to continue living their lives in this country.

So I’m immensely proud that figures out today will show five million applications to the EU Settlement Scheme.

I know Sun readers will agree that reaching this landmark is a fantastic achievement.

It’s the biggest scheme of its kind in UK history and means EU citizens can demonstrate their rights in the UK for decades to come.

They are our friends, neighbours and colleagues, and from the very beginning we have been clear we want them to stay.

That is why we put people at the heart of the scheme, knowing that behind these applications are stories of those who have established roots here.

Who have contributed so much to the UK culturally, economically and socially.

And who will have a role to play as we look to build back better after the coronavirus pandemic.

We have made excellent progress but I know there is still more work to do.

I would urge any further EU citizens who are eligible for the scheme to apply and join the millions who have already been through the process.

Those eligible to apply have until 30 June this year.

The application process is simple, free and most people can complete it in as little as 15 minutes.

Supporting vulnerable EU citizens and their families is at the forefront of our approach to the EU Settlement Scheme and so today I’m announcing a further £4.5 million to fund groups who support those who need help to apply.

Alongside the success of the EU Settlement Scheme, we have delivered on the people’s priorities by ending free movement and introducing a new points-based immigration system.

To all those who have decided to make the UK their home, I’m excited for us to build a brighter future together.

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