Brexit-backers criticised as citizen rights storm leaves Parliament staff at risk

BREXIT-BACKING MPs and ministers have been condemned as “disgraceful” for refusing to guarantee the rights of EU citizens in the UK as it emerged almost 200 people working in Parliament face an uncertain future because of their nationality.

Liberal Democrat leader Tim Farron said the Government was happy for parliamentary staff to be used as “bargaining chips” in negotiations with Brussels.

Theresa May has said she wants the rights of EU citizens in the UK, and Britons on the Continent, to be resolved early in the Brexit negotiations. But the Prime Minister has resisted pressure to unilaterally offer guarantees to EU citizens, preferring to ensure reciprocal agreements are reached for the Britons living in other member states.

Figures obtained through Freedom of Information requests by Lib Dem London Assembly member Caroline Pidgeon revealed the numbers of parliamentary staff whose status could be affected by Brexit.

There are some 195 EU nationals working in the Commons and Lords, including 35 Irish citizens whose “special status” the government has vowed to maintain.

A further 16 hold EU-non EU dual nationality status and could potentially be affected.

Mr Farron said: “The government should guarantee the right to remain of all EU citizens and give the people a final say on the Brexit terms.”