Theresa May has refused to rule out charges for EU nationals to live and work in the Highlands after Brexit.
Inverness MP Drew Hendry asked about the issue at Prime Minister’s Questions, telling Mrs May many businesses in the far north “rely on EU National employees simply to operate”.
The SNP politician flagged up how non EU nationals are already charged £1,000 per person per year and asked whether EU nationals could expect the same treatment after Brexit.
Mrs May refused to rule out such charges but said plans would be made “in due course”.
She said: “We recognise that after the United Kingdom leaves the European Union there will still be those in the EU who wish to come to work and study here in the UK and that there will still be UK citizens who wish to work and study in the European Union.
“We will bring forward our proposals for those arrangements in due course.”
Mr Hendry said it was “unbelievable” the prime minister could not answer such a basic question.
“Theresa May showed today she is unable to answer even the most straightforward Brexit questions,” he said.
“This is unbelievably complacent.
“Businesses across all sectors, including life sciences, tourism, manufacturing and exporting, need answers now, as do educational institutions and of course individuals who are left hanging about their own future status.
“It is callous, damaging and unacceptable.”