Heading for the Precipice? According to the Observor....

[cyprusgrump]

Sorry, Grump, but you're wrong. We need the 3m to be secure, more than we need the 1m to be secure.... the 1m are largely self-funding in countries where they would not be excluded. We are losing EU migrants and not attracting enough others.... Our NHS is suffering badly as a result.

Sometimes, one needs to take the initiative, otherwise stalemate occurs.

You want them as a bargaining chip. The audience last night, pretty representative, whole heartily disagree with you.

Given the strong language, the intransigence and the desire to 'punish' the UK for Brexit which is coming from the EU, I think most expats would be somewhat disappointed by a unilateral deal that excluded them.

The stalemate will only occur due to the negotiating stance of the EU - the UK has already offered a bilateral deal which they refused. It is the EU not the UK who 'wants them as a bargaining chip'.

Negotiators know, when stalemate is occurring, or no movement, sometimes you have to concede something to get trust back.... this would be ideal....

It could also be tinged with "and I'm sure the EU will reciprocate with protection for UK citizens in the EU...." - to put pressure on....

Negotiators also know not to give it all away on Day #1

The correct response is, "We've offered you a perfectly reasonable bilateral deal, you have turned it down. So tell us your alternative proposal?"

That way you negotiate towards a mutually agreeable solution.

[josef k]

Unfortunately most cannot return, as the housing stock is depleted thanks to immigration, there is no room at the Inn.

Actually, government figures show there are getting on for 1 million empty properties in the UK. Enough for all the British Ex pats in the EU.

[Firefly]

Josef K

There may be 1 million empty properties in the UK, are they all for sale or rent and can returning Expats afford one ?

Jackie