Verhofstadt launches new Brexit attack and insists Britons can become 'VICTIMS' of divorce
GUY VERHOFSTADT has launched yet another attack on Brexit, this time claiming Britons can still become the “victims” of the historic referendum.
Verhoftstadt: Citizens of EU in danger of becoming Brexit VICTIMS
The rights of European Union citizens has been a sticking point in the Brexit negotiations, with Brussels refusing to start trade talks before a settlement is reached.
An agreement would also affect some 1.2 million UK-born people residing in other European Union countries.
Discussing the need for a citizens’ agreement to be reached, Mr Verhoftstadt said: “The Brexit Steering Group’s – who is steering this process from within the European Parliament – priority is to have a good arrangement on citizens’ rights.
“I am talking about citizens’ rights, not only am I talking about the rights of the EU citizens living in the UK but also the rights British residents living in the EU.
We cannot accept a system where EU citizens living in the UK are at risk of being deported
“What we absolutely want to avoid is these citizens, be they European or citizens of the UK living on the Continent, are victims of Brexit.”
Mr Verhofstadt called for a “declaration” system for EU citizens living in the UK, to avoid them having to make an “application” to remain in the country after Brexit.
He said declarations should cover a “whole household” rather than an individual and said the “burden of proof” must be on the Home Office rather than the household.
IDS insists EU are DESPERATE for money in Brexit negotiations
Mr Verhofstadt added: “We cannot accept a system where EU citizens living in the UK, or are mainly already permanent residents, are at risk of being deported as a result of the process.”
Last week, the European Parliament rejected Britain’s latest offer on the rights of EU citizens living in the UK after Brexit.
The Government issued a technical paper detailing a two-year grace period for EU nationals to apply for settled status once the UK leaves the bloc.
Brexit Secretary David Davis said the UK “will support everyone wishing to stay to gain settled status”.
He added “The last negotiation round saw real progress in this area and I hope the document we have published today can facilitate the deal we need to guarantee the rights of UK citizens living in the EU27, and vice versa.”