THOUSANDS of Europeans currently living in Swindon need to take action if they want to remain in the UK.

Brexit will not happen today after the EU agreed for an extension until January 2020, but European nationals still need to register.

And government has launched a £1m campaign two weeks ago to encourage them to do so.

Amparo Torregrosa moved from Spain and has been living in the UK for 33 years. She said: “I was devastated by the result of the referendum as the vast majority of my friends, family and colleagues were.

“The amount of hostility toward foreigners has reached unbelievable levels and I can’t express how sad that makes me feel.”

The 57-year-old mum who now lives in north Swindon said: “I need to apply to stay in my country of choice, with my two children! It’s outrageous. I may not have a British passport but I have demonstrated my loyalty and commitment to this country.

“I am staying for now. An EU rebel, I guess fighting so that my children enjoy the same opportunities I have.”

Earlier this month, Priti Patel announced there had been two million applications to the EU settlement scheme. The highest number was from Polish citizens with more than 345,000.

The number of Polish people is estimated between 10,000 and 11,000 in Swindon and the surrounding areas.

But some applicants have expressed their concerns after they have been denied settled status and are seeking advice from the3Million, an organisation which campaigns for EU citizens’ rights in the UK.

For further information or to register to the EU settlement scheme visit: https://apply-to-visit-or-stay-in-the-uk.homeoffice.gov.uk. Anyone applying will need a valid passport or identity card.