The Brussels and Europe Liberal Democrats (BELD) say they welcome the European Commission’s Brexit negotiating guidelines laying out concrete aims for protecting the rights of the 3.2 million EU27 citizens in the UK and the 1.2 million UK citizens living in the EU.
The guidelines argue that the UK’s exit deal from the EU must ensure that UK and EU nationals’ rights including healthcare, social security, pensions, residence and mutual recognition of qualifications are protected for life, as well as being legally enforceable.
Laura Shields, Chair of Brussels and Europe Liberal Democrats, said the guidelines pour cold water on the British government’s argument that a deal on citizens’ rights can be done quickly and easily.
“The European Commission recognises how complicated the issue is which why it has rightly called for an agreement that is comprehensive, permanent and legally enforceable,” she said.
“The ball is now in the UK Government’s court. If it is serious about getting a fair deal for EU and UK citizens then it must respond appropriately and sensitively when it returns serve – rather than swaggering around the court before throwing a tantrum.”
Prior to yesterday’s announcement, the Liberal Democrats have consistently called for the UK Government to act unilaterally to protect the rights of EU nationals in the UK and, where possible, those of UK citizens living in the EU.
"We have long said that the Government could not be trusted to protect our rights. The Labour Party waved the flag and refused to support our Liberal Democrat House of Lords amendment to provide full protection for EU nationals. If you are British, live in the EU 27 and want your EU acquired rights protected you can vote for the Liberal Democrats in the General Election on 8 June,” said Ms Shields.
