Prime Minister Theresa May Vows to Guarantee EU Migrants’ Rights in UK

UK Prime Minister Theresa May said that she wants to be able to guarantee the rights of EU nationals in the United Kingdom.

MOSCOW (Sputnik) — UK Prime Minister Theresa May said Wednesday she would do whatever it takes to guarantee the rights of EU nationals living in the United Kingdom, as long as EU countries do the same for Brits.

"I want to be able to guarantee their rights in the UK, I expect to be able to do that, I intend to be able to do that," May said after talks with her Italian counterpart, Matteo Renzi, in Rome.

"The only circumstance in which that would not be possible would be if the rights of British citizens living in other EU member states were not guaranteed," she added.

May noted she hoped this was an issue the United Kingdom and the European Union could address early on, as they prepare to discuss future bilateral ties following UK’s vote to quit, in the June 23 referendum.

Theresa May also said that the United Kingdom will strengthen economic, migration and anti-terrorism ties with its European allies despite its intended exit from the European Union.

Speaking at a briefing televised on British and Italian media alongside Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi, May also underscored the intent to maintain trade cooperation with Rome.

Additionally, she underscored the need to step up cooperation between the mutual secret service agencies in order to share critical information quickly and efficiently.