May defends EU citizens

BRUSSELS: Prime Minister Theresa May defended her proposals to guarantee the rights of EU citizens living in Britain on Friday, saying several leaders of the bloc had reacted positively and she wanted agreement as soon as possible.

At a news conference after an EU summit in Brussels, May also said she wanted negotiations for Britain to leave the European Union to continue in the constructive fashion that was struck on Monday when they began.

"I remain of the view that this is a fair and serious offer and let’s be clear about what we’re saying: those citizens from EU countries that come to the United Kingdom and made their lives and homes in the United Kingdom will be able to stay and we will guarantee their rights in the United Kingdom," she said.

"I think that’s a very serious offer. There are some differences between that and the proposals of the European Commission but the matter will now go into the negotiations."