Despite Brexit, Sadiq Khan, the mayor of London, pleaded this Tuesday in Brussels for the British to retain European citizenship and the rights attached to it.
“Many Londoners have been heartbroken since we left the European Union. But we still have the feeling of being part of the European family, we are Europeans, "said the Labor mayor, who spoke with several EU officials, including the chief Brexit negotiator, Michel Barnier.
Free movement at the heart of concerns
"As the United Kingdom and the EU begin their next phase of negotiations, I hope that the question of" association citizenship "will be at the heart of the discussions," he explained. According to a press release from the City of London, such citizenship would offer Britons who claim it the possibility "to retain many of the rights they have enjoyed so far as EU citizens, and most importantly, the right to move and work freely between the different Member States'.
“Let's be frank: there is a lot to do here in Europe to convince the member states. Most believe that European citizenship is only possible if it stems from national citizenship, ”reacted MEP Guy Verhofstadt (Renew) after meeting Sadiq Khan.
One year to define the future relationship
The former Belgian Prime Minister, however, declared himself in favor of this idea, on condition of "reciprocity", that is to say that the United Kingdom offers EU citizens who wish it the same rights as the British citizens. This condition seems impossible to accept for the United Kingdom, which has notably left the EU in opposition to the free movement of people.
The country left the EU on February 1, when it entered a transition period where it continues to apply European rules. During this period, which will end on December 31, 2020, the British and Europeans have promised to agree on their future relationship.
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