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New UK PM offers assurances to EU nationals

25.07.2019 06:00
Britain’s new Prime Minister Boris Johnson has promised EU nationals in his country "absolute certainty" that they can “live and remain” in the UK after Brexit.
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson delivers his speech outside 10 Downing Street following his appointment by the Queen in London on Wednesday.
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson delivers his speech outside 10 Downing Street following his appointment by the Queen in London on Wednesday.Photo: EPA/NEIL HALL

In his first speech as prime minister, Boris Johnson said on Wednesday that “Brexit was a fundamental decision by the British people” and that this decision must now be respected.

He added that it was necessary to “create a new partnership with our European friends—as warm and as close and as affectionate as possible.”

“And the first step is to repeat unequivocally our guarantee to the 3.2 million EU nationals now living and working among us, and I say directly to youthank you for your contribution to our society,” Johnson said.

He added: “Thank you for your patience, and I can assure you that under this government you will get the absolute certainty of the rights to live and remain.”

Britain’s previous Prime Minister Theresa May in December told Poles living in her country that they were welcome and would be able to stay in the UK after Brexit.

Speaking at a joint press conference with Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki in London in December, May said: "My message to Polish people is clear: You can stay and we want you to stay."

Around 1 million Poles live in the UK, constituting that country’s largest minority community.

(gs)

Source: IAR, bbc.com