Disgrace for EU leaders to snub Theresa May’s offer – EXPRESS COMMENT
THE offer Theresa May has made to the European Union regarding residency rights is a fair one.
The finer details of the plan which were set out yesterday serve as further proof that this is an issue which the Prime Minister is approaching with a mix of common sense, generosity of spirit and a desire to compromise.
It is only right to let EU citizens living here stay.
Nobody wants to see people who came here in good faith, worked hard, put down roots and contributed enormously to our country being forcibly deported.
However, we will need a way of keeping track of who does and does not have residency rights.
A special ID card for EU citizens is a sensible proposal.
This would be little different from issuing a standard visa and it will help to ensure that only those who are entitled to do so are allowed to access public services and get a job.
This newspaper is also pleased to see the Prime Minister promising to deport serious criminals.
The exploitation of EU free movement rules by criminals has been one of the biggest problems with the whole system.
Theresa May announces EU citizens WILL be able to stay in UK
Despite Mrs May’s pragmatic approach she has already met opposition in Brussels.
If EU chiefs really cared about their citizens they would offer reciprocal rights for Britons living in the EU, get the deal signed off as soon as possible and give millions of people the peace of mind they crave.
It is a disgrace that they have not already done so.
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Royals are great value
Her Majesty the Queen represents extraordinary value for money.
Next year, her income is predicted to go up but even then she will still cost us only a little over £1 per person.
Compare that with, for example, the amount the US spends on security, accommodation and logistics for the president and one begins to realise what a good deal we get.
Other nations would dearly wish to have a head of state who is respected around the world, attracts enormous numbers of tourists, provides sound advice to their elected leaders and connects the people with their history.
Given what we receive in return the cost of the Royal Family is undoubtedly money well spent.
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Dogs back with a banger
Liz and Graham Hampson were distraught when dogs Charlie and Theo got lost in the Lake District.
But after four days on the run, the miniature schnauzers were finally tempted to come back by the smell of sausages being grilled.
Next time they get taken for a walk up on the fells, it might be an idea to take an emergency packet of bangers just in case.