After a day of confusion and chaos in Westminster the UK government gave a much-needed and timely boost to the 1.2 million Britons living through out the EU and the 3 million in EU citizen in the UK when it decided to back a potentially crucial amendment.
The amendment, put forward by Conservative MP Alberto Costa, would, if given the green light by MPs on Wednesday evening, force British Prime Minister Theresa May to seek a deal with the EU to ring-fence the citizens' rights part of the Withdrawal Agreement before Brexit Day on March 29th.
On Tuesday Prime Minister May had spoken against the amendment and then on Wednesday MP Alberto Costa was forced to resign from the government, much to the disgust and shock of other MPs and campaigners.
We are now 978 days #InLimbo
— In Limbo (@InLimboBrexit) February 27, 2019
Used as bargaining chips. Our future uncertain.
When Alberto Costa MP put forward an amendment to protect citizens rights he was sacked by @theresa_may
Unjust, cruel, and not British way#RingFenceOurRightshttps://t.co/18bhpS0Sau pic.twitter.com/O9OeHIbSy5
But then to everyone's surprise the government announced it would back the amendment. With the support of the government plus at least 150 MPs from all parties, both pro and anti-Brexit, it appears certain the amendment will be voted through.
Campaign groups British in Europe and the3Million were celebrating victory.
The government has accepted the Costa amendment and if voted in tonight, will go to the EU to discuss ring-fencing. We are one step forward thanks to @AlbertoCostaMP and some fantastic work by @the3million and our teams. pic.twitter.com/FZP022NrlY
— British in Europe (@BritishInEurope) February 27, 2019
