In many ways all of this has been an integral part of daily life for EU citizens in the UK since the referendum. What makes it extraordinary now is that over two years have passed and nothing has changed.

For millions of Europeans like me, today is a difficult watershed moment – settled status will no doubt create a new Windrush generation.

It is critical that we do not lose focus – waiving the fee does not take away the problems with the application process.

The government now stands at a crossroads, and the first step they must take is to expand full voting rights to every permanent citizen in the country.