LONDON - Britain and the European Union are within touching distance of resolving the fate of millions of EU citizens living in Britain, Prime Minister Theresa May told the House of Commons Monday.
May was giving a report to members of parliament about the latest talks with leaders of the EU member states ahead of Britain's withdrawal in March, 2019.
Speaking about citizen's rights, May said: "Both sides share the same objective of safeguarding the rights of EU nationals living in the UK and UK nationals living in the EU. The negotiations are complicated and deeply technical, but in the end they are about people, and I am determined that we will put people first."
"We are united on the key principles, and while there are a small number of issues that remain outstanding, we are in touching distance of a deal."
The issue is crucial for the estimated 3 million European nationals currently in Britain, as well as British people living in EU states in mainland Europe.
May also insisted there will be no physical infrastructure at the border between the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland, adding that the Common Travel Area between Britain and Ireland will continue.
She told MPs that at last week's EU summit, member states agreed to start their preparations for moving negotiations onto trade and the future relationship. (Xinhua)