Interesting day spent at the Portuguese Consulate in Manchester last Sunday. Six members of the Portuguese government, led by José Luis Carneiro (Secretary of State for the Communities), came to the UK to discuss a range of topics with the Portuguese immigrant community. Topics during the six-hour session included Brexit and its impact on EU citizens residing in the UK. Greatly appreciated this governmental initiative and the supportive and encouraging discussions.
In addition to the Portuguese Ambassador, Manuel Lobo Antunes, and the Consul General, Carlos Sousa Amaro, the following members of government participated:
- Secretário de Estado das Comunidades Portuguesas, José Luís Carneiro
- Secretária de Estado dos Assuntos Europeus, Margarida Marques
- Secretário de Estado dos Assuntos Fiscais, Fernando Rocha de Andrade
- Secretária de Estado Adjunta e da Justiça, Helena Mesquita Ribeiro
- Secretária de Estado da Inclusão das Pessoas com Deficiência, Ana Sofia Antunes
- Secretária de Estado para a Cidadania e a Igualdade, Catarina Marcelino
Articles on this initiative: Portuguese government press release 1, press release 2, José Luis Carneiro outlining priorities related to the Portuguese diaspora. Brief piece in PÚBLICO. Two pictures, courtesy of the Portuguese Embassy in London.
