MORE than five million EU citizens have applied 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.
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.
