Brussels rejects plea to ring-fence rights of British expats in a No Deal Brexit
The EU Commission insisted it will not “negotiate mini-deals” with the UK on the future of expats
BRUSSELS has rejected MPs’ plea to ring-fence the rights of Brits living on the continent if there’s a no deal Brexit.
The EU Commission insisted it will not “negotiate mini-deals” with the UK on the future of expats while talks on an overall agreement are ongoing.
Eurocrats issued the slap-down after Parliament voted to ask the EU to officially guarantee their status.
On Wednesday MPs unanimously backed an amendment by Tory MP Alberto Costa calling for rights to be ring-fenced “whatever the outcome of negotiations”.
It said the UK should “seek at the earliest opportunity” to agree a bilateral deal with Brussels covering EU citizens in the UK and Brits on the continent.
But responding to the vote yesterday, the Commission said the “best way” for MPs to guarantee people’s rights was to vote for a deal.
A spokeswoman said: “We will not negotiate mini-deals because negotiating such mini-deal outside the Withdrawal Agreement would imply that the negotiations have failed.
“The Commission has consistently made clear that the rights of EU citizens in the United Kingdom and UK nationals in the EU are our top priority.”
There are roughly 3.2 million EU citizens living in the UK and 1.3 million Brits on the continent.
Mr Costa hit back at eurocrats last night, saying it was up to Member States to decide whether to accept his proposal.
Revealing he is seeking an urgent meeting with Council chief Donald Tusk, he said: “It is ultimately not the Commission’s remit to deliberate on these matters.
“Instead the sentiments outlined in the Costa Amendment are aimed at the European Council as they have the legal mandate to change their negotiating guidelines for citizens’ rights.
most read in brexit
“Until that takes place, the commission cannot begin to look at ring-fencing reciprocal rights for UK and EU citizens.”
The row came as Spain was set to announce it will guarantee Brits’ rights to healthcare and pensions until at least the end of 2020.
Madrid will today unveil a royal decree covering 300,000 expats, many of whom are pensioners.
- GOT a news story? RING us on 0207 782 4104 or WHATSAPP on 07423720250 or EMAIL [email protected]