Brexit: Theresa May reveals 'fair and serious' offer on EU citizens' rights

Around three million EU migrants currently living in the UK could remain in their adopted home after Brexit under draft plans revealed by Theresa May last night.

Speaking at a summit of European leaders in Brussels, the Prime Minister announced a new "settled status" would be granted to any EU citizen who has been in the UK for more than five years.

The scheme would last for life and give the holder the same rights to work, healthcare and benefits as those enjoyed by Britons.

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"The UK's position represents a fair and serious offer," May said, reports The Guardian, "and one aimed at giving as much certainty as possible to citizens who have settled in the UK, building careers and lives and contributing so much to our society."

Migrants who have been in the UK for less than five years "and those who arrive lawfully during a subsequent 'grace period' – expected to be up to two years – will be given the opportunity to build up five years' worth of residence", adds the paper.

May also said she had no desire to "break up families", an announcement the Daily Telegraph says is "a clear indication that the spouses and children of EU nationals who live abroad will be eligible to join them in the UK".

However, the PM's offer is contingent upon a mutual pledge on the rights of the estimated 1.2 million British expats living in the EU.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel said it was "a good start", but that many other issues concerning Brexit still had to be resolved. Jean-Claude Juncker, who represents the EU's executive arm, said May's offer was a "first step but this step is not sufficient".

One sticking point may be which court people can call on to enforce their rights. Prior to yesterday's meeting, the EU had proposed that any deal would be "enforceable by the European Court of Justice", says the BBC.

However, May appeared to rule out its involvement last night. "The commitment that we make to EU citizens will be enshrined in UK law and will be enforced through our highly respected courts," she said.