Creation of system for migrants ‘has barely started yet’

HOME OFFICE concerns were overruled by the Prime Minister who insisted EU migrants coming to the UK during any withdrawal transition period would not be granted the automatic right to remain, according to reports.

Theresa May’s move went against warnings that it would be a struggle to create separate systems to register EU citizens already in Britain and new arrivals,

The Times said. The status of EU migrants arriving in the UK during the proposed transition period between March 2019 and December 2020 has become a flashpoint issue between London and Brussels in recent weeks.

Facing pressure from hardline Brexiteers, Mrs May has insisted that transition migrants could not expect the same treatment as the estimated 3.2m EU nationals already resident in the UK, while Brussels has said all should be seen as equals.

The Number 10 stance has caused concern in the Home Office, with Government sources saying work on a separate registration scheme had “barely begun” and “almost certainly” would not be ready in time.

Downing Street and the Home Office declined to comment directly on the claims. A Home Office spokeswoman said: “The Prime Minister has been clear that during the implementation period there will be a registration system for EU citizens coming to the UK.

“The precise details of the implementation period are currently being negotiated with the EU, but planning is well under way.”

The claims came as it emerged Billionaire investor George Soros is to pump a further £100,000 into the anti-Brexit campaign. Mr Soros drew fire from Brexiteers when it was revealed he was donating £400,000 to the campaign group Best for Britain to try to halt withdrawal from the EU.