What is the Independent Monitoring Authority?

The Independent Monitoring Authority (IMA) is the body established by the UK government to ensure that the rights of EU and EEA citizens in the UK are being protected, as guaranteed by Withdrawal Agreement with the EU and parallel agreements with EEA members.

The UK committed to its establishment in that agreement and legislated for it in the EU (Withdrawal) Act 2020.

It was launched on 31 December 2020 at the end of the Brexit transition period, which was when free movement ended.

Its focus is on ensuring that government bodies and public services across the UK treat citizens who came here using their free movement rights fairly, which includes looking at the operation of the EU Settled Status scheme.

It can initiate inquiries, publish reports but also take legal action against government.

The IMA is based in Swansea and its chair is former Conservative MEP Sir Ashley Fox.