LONDON – On Monday, Britain’s Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s government faced a parliamentary defeat for the first time since the election with the upper chamber voting in favour of protecting EU citizens’ rights post Brexit.
In the lower chamber House of Commons, the Conservatives led by a majority and the lawmakers approved legislation earlier this month to allow Britain’s exit deal with Brussels.
The legislation has now reached the House of Lords where the Conservatives do not have a majority. While it may not block the bill’s passage, seeking changes seems likely.
Members of Lords voted 270 to 229 in favour of a modification put forth by pro-EU Liberal Democrats giving eligible EU citizens in Britain the right to stay automatically even after Brexit without having to apply to the government to do so.
This shall also ensure that the citizens are given physical proof of their right to remain as a “secure digital status” linked to their passport.
(Photos syndicated via Reuters)
This story has been edited by BH staff and is published from a syndicated field.