Sturgeon seeks 'immediate guarantees' on rights of EU nationals living in Scotland

There have been calls for a pledge about the status of EU nationals in the UK Credit: PA

Scotland's first minister Nicola Sturgeon has called for "immediate guarantees" on the residency status and rights of EU nationals living in Scotland.

She made the demand in letters to Prime Minister David Cameron and the five candidates bidding to replace him following last week's vote for Brexit.

Ms Sturgeon also said it was "imperative" that the UK government respected the rights of Scotland's 173,000 EU citizens.

The plea was made before a meeting with consuls-general of EU member states and diplomats at her official residence, Bute House in Edinburgh, on Tuesday.

There have been calls for a pledge about the status of EU nationals in the UK Credit: PA

Meanwhile, campaigners from both the Leave and Remain sides have urged candidates to be the next prime minister to guarantee EU nationals will not be deported when Britain quits the bloc.

The group of campaigners called for all leadership contenders to make a "clear and unequivocal" statement and reassure the three million EU citizens in the UK facing anxiety over their future.

They also want a similar pledge to fight for a similar deal for UK citizens living in the other 27 EU countries.

The call comes in a letter to the Sunday Telegraph and has been signed by a range of public figures including Brexit backers Daniel Hannan, a Conservative MEP; Labour's Gisela Stuart and Ukip's Douglas Carswell; as well as Remain supporters Yvette Cooper, a Labour former frontbencher; and TUC general secretary Frances O'Grady.