The Liberal Democrats have defeated the Government on a vote in the House of Lords to protect the rights of EU citizens living in the UK.
The Lords passed an amendment to the Withdrawal Agreement Bill, moved by Liberal Democrat peer Jonny Oates, by 270 votes to 229. It would give EU citizens in the UK the automatic right to stay, rather than having to apply to the Home Office, and would ensure they can get physical proof of their rights.
Following the vote, mover of the motion and Liberal Democrat Peer Jonny Oates said: ”This amendment simply seeks to uphold the promise repeatedly made by Boris Johnson that the rights of EU citizens to remain in the UK would be automatically guaranteed.
“It would remove the risk that those who failed to meet the cut off deadline would be automatically criminalised and subject to deportation.
“It was very disappointing to see the Conservatives vote against protecting the rights of millions of people who contribute so much to our society, our economy and our communities.
“Liberal Democrats will always champion the rights of EU citizens in the UK and hold the Conservative Government to account for the promises they’ve made.”