Theresa May repels Tory revolt to force her to guarantee rights of EU citizens post-Brexit

THERESA May saw off a fresh Tory revolt to force her to guarantee the rights of EU citizens in the UK after Brexit now.

Dozens of Conservative MPs want the PM to allow the 3.2 million already living here to stay before Brexit talks begin.

But Home Secretary Amber Rudd won them round by promising in a letter there would be no change to the status of EU nationals without Parliament’s approval first.

The government defeated a Labour bid to enforce the move now by 332 to 290 last night, a majority of 42.

Just three Tory MPs rebelled – Andrew Tyrie, Ken Clarke and Tania Mathias.

Mrs May wants to guarantee the rights of a million Brits in Europe at the same time.

But German leader Angela Merkel blocked her bid at making a deal now until after formal exit talks begin by the end of March.

The PM told the Commons yesterday that resolving the issue would be “a priority for an early stage” of the Article 50 negotiations.