WORCESTER'S MP has warned people against "trying to create an atmosphere of fear" on Brexit - insisting the Government has no intention of kicking EU nationals out the country.

Robin Walker has taken part in a parliamentary grilling with MPs about the fate of EU nationals in the UK and British expats abroad after the country quits the bloc.

Mr Walker, a Brexit minister, refused to guarantee that all EU nationals will have a right to stay but insisted he was "confident" special reciprocal agreements will be struck.

During a passionate debate in the Commons he said the only way it would fail is if EU countries refused to treat British expats the same - telling MPs he would find that scenario "near impossible" to imagine.

He also warned it would be "inappropriate and irresponsible" to offer a promise now, saying it would undermine Brexit negotiations.

In recent weeks Prime Minister Theresa May has come under growing pressure to guarantee all EU nationals in Britain residency after Brexit, even in advance of any reciprocal deals.

Only last week we revealed how foreign lecturers at the University of Worcester said they felt under attack, claiming they are living in a climate of uncertainty and fear.

Mr Walker, speaking in the Commons, said: "The Government is confident we'll work together, and that EU and British citizens will be protected through a reciprocal agreement.

"Let me begin by making it absolutely clear - the Government wants to protect the status of EU nationals resident in the UK.

"The only circumstances in which that would not be possible would be those in which British citizens' rights in other EU member states were not protected in return, and like (Brexit Secretary David Davis) I find it hard - near impossible - to imagine that scenario arising."

Under pressure from MPs he also sought to praise EU citizens, saying they make a big contribution.

"?EU citizens make an invaluable contribution to our country, and the Government welcomes that contribution, I recognise it from my own constituency," he said.

"We all agree steps must be taken to guarantee the status of the EU nationals who have chosen to build a life here."

He added: "While it is a Government priority to address this issue as soon as possible, the fact remains we need an agreement in order to do so.

"It would be inappropriate and irresponsible to set out unilateral positions at this stage.

"The Government understand the importance of giving certainty to EU citizens who have moved to build a life in the UK, but we are not able to set out a unilateral position now, ahead of negotiations.

"That must be done following negotiation and agreement with the EU.

"Doing otherwise would risk adversely affecting our negotiating position, and hence the position of British citizens who have chosen to build a life, with their families, in other countries."

Prime Minister Theresa May is today holding talks with the UK's three devolved governments to offer them "a direct line" to Brexit Secretary David Davis.

She met with the first ministers of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland at Downing Street.

Mrs May says she is "ready to listen" to their ideas but told them the final position must work for the whole of the UK.