The European Parliament did not like the proposal of British Prime Minister Theresa May regarding the status of Eu Citizens in Britain following Brexit, as reported by the Guardian. They have also expressed outrage over the British authorities' proposal to EU nationals in the United Kingdom following withdrawal from the EU.
A representative of the EU Parliament negotiating Brexit (former Prime Minister of Belgium, Guy Verhofstadt) said that May's proposal does not meet the expectations of Europeans, and creates a situation in which Europeans in Britain will be granted fewer rights than British citizens throughout the rest of Europe.
European parliamentarians were not satisfied with UK proposals
European parliamentarians expressed dissatisfaction with the proposals of Britain in an open letter signed by representatives of four political factions, which account for three-fourths of the vote in the parliament. The authors of the letter also noted that May's proposal itself contradicted Britain's promises that Europeans in Britain would have no fewer rights after Brexit.
At the end of June, May expressed her willingness to provide all citizens of the EU who have been living in the United Kingdom for at least five years with a permanent residence permit. It will allow Europeans to live freely in the United Kingdom after the withdrawal of Britain from the EU, use public education and health services, as well as receive social benefits.
May stressed that her proposal was valid only if the same rights were granted to British citizens residing in other EU countries. European parliamentarians mentioned that they have the right to reject May's proposal, and EU representatives have repeatedly noted that they do not intend to accept conditions that would deprive Europeans of already existing rights.
According to EP, May's proposal would deprive Europeans of certain rights, putting millions in a situation of uncertainty. The EU proposals, on the contrary, were simple, understandable, and honest, the European Parliament noted. According to them, the EU proposals preserve the existing rights of British citizens, which will be the same as those of EU citizens.
Guarantee resident to 3 million Europeans
According to May, her proposal for a permanent residence permit covers roughly 3 million Europeans that are already working in Britain, have a family, and have contributed to the well-being of British society.
The issue of preserving all the rights of British citizens in the EU countries and immigrants from other EU countries in Britain does not cause profound disagreement among the parties. The EU insisted that all issues related to Brexit should be discussed in a single package and within the framework of one negotiating process.
In Britain, there are about 3.2 million European citizens, and in the remaining 27 countries - 1.2 million Britons. Meanwhile, more than half of the British is in favor of holding a second referendum on Brexit.