The Prime Minister has set out a serious offer on the rights of EU citizens in Britain as part of the initial Brexit negotiations.
Securing a deal on the rights of EU citizens in the UK and UK citizens in the EU has always been a key priority for the UK in these negotiations and I am pleased that the Prime Minister prioritised this issue for early stage discussion.
Clarifying their legal status will be a relief to thousands of EU citizens who currently live and work in my constituency; and hundreds of people from Worcestershire who currently live in the EU. It is perfectly reasonable that any agreement made is reciprocal.
The UK’s overarching aim is for EU citizens to broadly continue living their lives as they do now, and for UK citizens living in EU countries to do the same. The UK’s position represents a fair and serious offer and one aimed at giving as much certainty as possible to citizens who have settled in the UK, building careers and lives and contributing so much to our society.
This proposal means formal negotiations on the UK’s exit from the EU can get off to a productive and constructive start. The Prime Minister last night set out the UK’s proposal to EU leaders and full details will be announced to Parliament on Monday.