A Home Office spokesman said: “EU citizens make a huge contribution to our society and we have always been clear that we want them to stay”

Ministers are to launch a £3.5 million advertising campaign within weeks to encourage people from the European Union to secure their status in Britain after Brexit.

About 3.7 million EU citizens live in this country and the information campaign will focus particularly on areas where a large number of them live.

The first phase will begin days before the full launch of the settlement application process.

The campaign will include advertising on billboards and bus stops and at railway stations. There will be adverts on radio, catch-up TV and websites and on social media.

A Home Office spokesman said: “EU citizens make a huge contribution to our society and we have always been clear that we want them to stay. That is why a wide