LIBERAL DEMOCRATS in Southampton have called upon Labour and Tory rivals to join forces and oppose government plans for Brexit.

The calls made to MPs Alan Whitehead and Royston Smith were part of the Liberal Democrats' national day of campaigning on Europe, which saw more than 100 events take place across the country.

Party campaigners took the streets of Southampton to speak to residents about the importance of giving EU nationals living and working in the UK the “right to stay”.

Thomas Gravatt, Liberal Democrat parliamentary spokesperson for Southampton Test, said: “Many people in Southampton are telling us they are deeply concerned about the government’s divisive hard Brexit plans and particularly Labour's failure to oppose them.

“Whether they voted to Leave or Remain, many people here do not support Theresa May’s reckless insistence on using EU nationals as bargaining chips.

READ MORE:

“Alan Whitehead and Royston Smith should do the right thing and vote to secure the rights of the many EU citizens living here who are currently facing great uncertainty.”

Peers inflicted a second defeat on the Government's Brexit Bill tonight by demanding a "meaningful" parliamentary vote on the final divorce deal.

Voting was 366 to 268, majority 98, at the end of a passionate and sometimes bad tempered three-hour debate in a crowded House of Lords.

The amendment to the European Union (Notification of Withdrawal) Bill was approved with Labour, Liberal Democrat and some Tory backing and greeted with cheers.

Responding to the calls from the Liberal Democrats, Mr Smith said: “60% of my constituency voted to leave the EU.

“The sooner we trigger Article 50, which the Prime Minister has a mandate to do, the sooner we can guarantee the rights and privileges of EU citizens living in this country and as importantly, British citizens living in EU countries.”

Mr Whitehead added: “I think it’s right that EU citizens who have made Britain their home, worked here, paid taxes here and in some cases have families here, have the right to stay.

“I voted for an amendment to the Article 50 bill which would have ensured this.

“That amendment was unfortunately blocked by the government.

“It is entirely wrong that this central human issue should be used as a bargaining chip in negotiations and I will continue to seek assurance from Theresa May that will not happen.”