A NEW association for Europeans living in Oxford could give them a greater say on local affairs.

It is part of moves to show the city will continue to be a place 'where everyone is welcome', the city council said.

The idea emerged in the wake of Britain's decision to quit the EU, when Oxford bucked the national trend and overwhelmingly voted for Remain.

Senior councillors are concerned about the impact so-called 'Brexit' could have on major industries in the city such as science and research, with Labour's John Tanner also criticising recent 'anti-foreigner' rhetoric from the Government.

His comments came after Home Secretary Amber Rudd faced an angry backlash from business leaders, who accused her of 'demonising' migrant workers with her widely-derided idea to make companies list their foreign employees.

Mr Tanner said: "Following the disastrous Brexit vote, we want to make sure Oxford remains an international European city and be clear to all the Germans, Poles, Portuguese and other nationalities they are welcome here and seen as an integral part of our community.

"Everything that is coming out of the national government at the moment seems to be anti-foreigners these days and it is important the city can put a marker down that makes clear we voted for Remain here.

"We may have lost the vote nationally, but we recognise Europeans who come here are of huge benefit to Oxford.

"The Government has read too much into the referendum, because I do not believe the British people are anti-foreigner.

"It is vital we give these people a warm welcome, they work at our car factories, hospitals and universities."

A meeting to discuss proposals for the new association is due to be held at Oxford Town Hall on Wednesday, October 19, at 7.30pm.

It would advise the city council on issues that affect non-British EU citizens in Oxford.

The idea was welcomed by Florence Rossignol, a French teacher who has lived in Oxford for more than 10 years.

The mother-of-two said: "This is definitely something I would be interested in.

"I love living in a city like Oxford that is so outward-looking, but recent comments by national politicians at conferences are have been slightly worrying for those of us who came here from abroad.

"I very much welcome any kind of movement that supports collaboration and keeps the debate forward-looking."

And Giulia Biasibetti, a press officer who works for Oxford University, said: "Any idea that mobilises citizens around the Brexit issue is welcome.

"Almost half of people in the UK – and very strong majority in Oxford – voted to remain in the EU so it’s vital that everyone feels that they have a say in the debate and stays engaged.

"As a European I’m really grateful to live in this city, where I feel welcome and there are initiatives such as this.

"I look forward to working together with the rest of the city."