The leaders of three London councils have written directly to the EU’s chief negotiator on Brexit, urging him to safeguard the rights of EU citizens living in the capital.
The letter to Michel Barnier also outlines their disappointment that an agreement on the status of EU nationals has not yet been reached.
It has been sent from the Conservative leaders of of Westminster, Kensington and Chelsea, and Wandsworth, who are home to 80,000 EU nationals between them.
The letter states: ‘We were surprised and disappointed that a swift resolution of the issue was not reached over the summer.
‘Based on the conversations we have with our resident EU nationals, your negotiating team’s delay in settling outstanding matters seems unnecessary.
‘We believe that you should be seeking to reassure EU citizens - as they would wish – by reaching agreement with the UK on their status, and we would be grateful if you could act swiftly to allay their concerns and provide them with the certainty that they seek.’
The three councils are establishing residency and passport advisory services for EU citizens living in London.
The letter has been sent from cllr Nickie Aiken, leader of Westminster City Council, cllr Elizabeth Campbell, leader of the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea and cllr Ravi Govindia, leader of Wandsworth Borough Council.
