The EU standard of human rights must be replicated in UK law, according to the Scottish Greens.
The call comes following a Scottish Government response to the UK Government’s Citizens’ Rights Paper, which appeals for more clarity.
But Scottish Green Europe spokesman Ross Greer labelled the latest UK government paper an insulting power grab.
He said: “It is an insult that the Repeal Bill bizarrely lists EU citizens’ rights as a deficiency, so the Scottish Government is right to call for clarity.
“Under the Tories’ plans, three million EU citizens across the UK could lose their rights without even a vote in Parliament, or without Parliament even being informed if a Minister considers it urgent.”
Mr Greer said the Henry VIII powers were unacceptable and and urged politicians to bring the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights into UK law.
He added: “The Greens are calling on other parties to join us in challenging this Tory power-grab, starting with bringing the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights into UK law.
“That means Scottish Tory MPs and MSPs must pick a side.
“Are they willing to protect the rights of people living in Scotland, including EU citizens, or are they content to see decades of hard-won protections swept away and the rights of three million people left at the whim of unaccountable ministers using powers created for and by a 16th-century mad king?”
Scotland’s Brexit minister Mike Russell took a more conciliatory approach as the second round of Brexit negotiations began in Brussels,
Mr Russell said too many questions remained unanswered about the rights of EU citizens living in Scotland and vice versa and called for clarity on the right to vote, access to services and to benefits.
He added: “EU citizens make a vital contribution to Scotland and to our economy, society and culture and they must have clarity about their future rights and what Brexit will mean for them and their families.
“As negotiations get underway again today in Brussels it is important this issue be concluded as soon as possible.
“It is, of course, disappointing it has taken the UK Government a year to set out their plans, but with goodwill on both sides, the issues could be settled in the next few days.
“This issue is also about protecting the existing rights of Scots and other UK citizens living in other EU countries, who also continue to face uncertainty over their future. They are also owed an early conclusion.”
