Brexit: May offers more assurances to EU nationals

Theresa May has vowed to make it as easy as possible for EU citizens to remain in the UK after Brexit ahead of a key summit of European leaders.

In a Facebook post, the prime minister insisted the application process for settled status would be "streamlined" and the cost "as low as possible".

She said representatives of EU citizens will sit on a "user group" which will iron out any problems in the system.

The other 27 EU leaders will assess overall progress in the talks so far.

At a meeting on Friday, at which the UK will not be present, they are expected to conclude officially that "insufficient progress" has been made on the status of EU nationals in the UK and British expats on the continent - and other separation issues - to move onto the second phase of trade discussions.

European Council President Donald Tusk said there would be no "breakthrough" at the two-day summit, but progress could be achieved by the next scheduled meeting of EU leaders in December.

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Before leaving for Brussels, Mrs May used her Facebook post to offer further assurances to the three million or so nationals of other EU countries living in the UK and uncertain about their future after Brexit.

In her message, she said those who already had permanent residence would be able to "swap this" for settled status in as hassle-free a way as possible.






BBC