Brexit: Theresa May would consider 'associate European citizenship' for British people

Downing Street has signalled it may be willing to do a deal with European leaders that could grant Britons “associate citizenship” of the EU.

After being asked about the idea, Theresa May’s spokesperson confirmed the UK would “want to find a way” to allow people from the UK to live and work in the European Union after Brexit, though officials later underlined that the Government was not tied to any particular method of doing so.

The Independent first revealed how the EU was forming a proposal that would allow Brits to remain European citizens if they wish. The proposal is now being fast-tracked to the Brexit negotiating table by Guy Verhofstadt, who is leading the talks process for the European Parliament.

Responding to the idea, Ms May’s spokesperson said: “As we go through these negotiations there will be a number of issues that we’ll need to address. We will want to find a way, while being able to control migration from the EU, to also have a workable system for people that want to live and work in other countries.”

No 10 officials later said that the Government is not yet expressing a view of what a "workable system" will look like.

However, the plan from the EU would see Brits offered individual "associate citizenship", letting them keep free movement to live and work across the bloc, as well as a vote in European Parliament elections.

Their proposal could potentially give Brits who live and work across borders a workaround to the disruption caused by the Leave vote, and also allow young people looking to live abroad greater choice over where to move.

The plan was first proposed by Luxembourg MEP Charles Goerens for inclusion in the European Parliament’s Committee on Constitutional Affairs report on long-term changes to the bloc’s structure.

However, Mr Verhofstadt explained it would now be taken forward independently after it had “captured the imagination and hopes of many of the 48 per cent of Brits that have voted to remain in the EU”.

He added: "It has therefore become a very important issue that cannot await treaty change – as envisaged by Charles when he first tabled it.

"I am therefore proposing to remove it from my report – which after all is concerned with treaty change – and to include it in the negotiations we will have with the UK Government.

"I as Brexit negotiator for the Parliament will ensure that it is included in the parliament’s negotiating mandate."

Mr Verhofstadt is one of two chief negotiators representing different pillars of the European Union. He represents the Parliament, while former Commissioner Michel Barnier represents the Commission. Belgian diplomat Didier Seeuws will coordinate the European Council’s negotiating position on behalf of the leaders of other EU states.

Think tank British Future called for the Prime Minister to demonstrate "goodwill" this week and "make the first move" in giving EU citizens who were in the UK before Brexit the right to stay here permanently.