The UK government has confirmed that free trade rules will immediately end in the case of a no - deal vote on 31 October , affecting the rights of EU citizens in the UK from November . Theresa May ’s plans to steadily phase out the rules have been dropped in a move that has been described as “ irresponsible and reckless ” by Lib Dem MP Ed Davey . However, MPs repeatedly voted down Mrs May's deal and unless an agreement can be reached the UK will leave without a deal on 31 October. Conservative MP Alberto Costa said the move was “ deeply concerning ” as Britain ’s behaviour towards EU nationals will be mirrored by EU states ' treatment of British citizens .
The UK government has confirmed that free trade rules will immediately end in the case of a no - deal vote on 31 October , affecting the rights of EU citizens in the UK from November . Theresa May ’s plans to steadily phase out the rules have been dropped in a move that has been described as “ irresponsible and reckless ” by Lib Dem MP Ed Davey . Conservative MP Alberto Costa said the move was “ deeply concerning ” as Britain ’s behaviour towards EU nationals will be mirrored by EU states ' treatment of British citizens .