UK Brexit Secretary David Davis in the media today 12 March

  • government was working on "a contingency plan" in case a deal on leaving the EU could not be reached
  • citizens' rights in the UK and Europe will be "the first thing" discussed in Brexit talks

It works both ways of course and the real bargaining position here is protection of the UK citizens living and working in the EU.

In today's Telegraph he says:

"There will be many opportunities for Parliament to debate our negotiation of a new partnership with the EU and to influence the outcome. But attaching conditions to a Bill that simply allows the Prime Minister to start the process is emphatically not the way to do it.

We're absolutely determined to secure the status of EU nationals in this country, who contribute so much to our economy and society. Yet we also have a duty to UK nationals living in the EU. It makes sense to give guarantees to all at the same time and in the same way - and that need to act reciprocally is well understood by our EU counterparts.

But if this amendment stands, there will be little incentive for the EU to quickly secure the status of UK citizens.This risks exposing UK citizens in the EU to a long period of uncertainty, and undermines what the Government is trying to achieve in terms of an early reciprocal deal for all."

Speaking on the BBC's Andrew Marr Show Davis added:

  • it was "not remotely likely" that there would be a complete breakdown in negotiations
  • wants MPs to reject a proposal by peers for the bill to guarantee a "meaningful" parliamentary vote on the final exit package

"The simple truth is, we have been planning for the contingency, all the various outcomes, all the possible outcomes. It's not just my team, it's the whole of Whitehall, it's every single department. But, understand, it's the contingency plan. The aim is to get a good outcome."

The BBC has more here. The Telegraph here

Tomorrow the House of Commons debate the Brexit bill again after the upper House of Lords defeated the govt by insisting on more protection for EU citizens living in the UK and that Parliament will have a "meaningful vote" on the final terms.

If the bill is passed then there is now much talk that Article 50 could be triggered as early as Teusday.

UK's Davis - EU citizens rights are top of the agenda