EU gives cool reception to British offer on citizens rights

The European Union's top Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier gave a cool reception to Britain's offer on EU citizens' rights in the United Kingdom after it leaves the EU, saying Brussels wanted to get the same level of citizens' rights as under EU law.

"EU goal on citizens rights: same level of protection as in EU law. More ambition, clarity and guarantees needed than in today's UK position," Barnier said in a tweet.

British Prime Minister Theresa May said earlier on Monday EU citizens already living in Britain could stay after the country leaves the EU in 2019.

Setting out Britain's plans for immigrants from EU countries, she said that all those legally in Britain before a cut-off date to be decided in future negotiations would be allowed to stay and apply for permanent residence rights. (Reporting By Jan Strupczewski and Gabriela Baczynska, editing by Julia Fioretti)

(This article has not been edited by DNA's editorial team and is auto-generated from an agency feed.)