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Post Brexit transition period must allow free movement of EU citizens
| Published: | 8 Nov at 6 PM |
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British expats in EU member states as well as EU expats in the UK are expected to be even more confused by the leak of papers from Brussels on post Brexit transition period rules to apply to Britain.
According to papers relating to discussions in Brussels about Britain’s position during a post Brexit transition period, the UK would be expected to abide by all new laws issued by the EU although it would have no say in their content. The bloc’s plan also bans the UK from leaving the single market before it finally withdraws from Europe, meaning it would still have to accept EU citizens’ free movement into and out of the country.
Earlier this year, a record number of EU citizens entered the UK, according to the Office of National Statistics, although recent reports suggest the inflow has diminished considerably and an outflow is taking its place. Total net immigration is still high at around 300,000, a far cry from the government’s target of ‘tens of thousands’ – a target which has been regularly rubbished by think tanks and company CEOs.
According to one EU official, the acceptance of a short-term deal would be proof that the UK was in error by voting for Brexit, as lies told by the pro-leave campaign would be totally exposed for what they are. He called the possibility a ‘moment of truth’ adding that having the cake and eating it simply isn’t possible.
Also in the papers are discussions on the thorny issues of the EU and UK working together on schemes to benefit agriculture and fisheries as well as defence arrangements and matters concerning the Euratom nuclear agreement. At present, EU negotiators are less than enthusiastic about involving the UK in any talks on future trade agreements as they believe not enough progress has been made on other aspects of the deal.
According to papers relating to discussions in Brussels about Britain’s position during a post Brexit transition period, the UK would be expected to abide by all new laws issued by the EU although it would have no say in their content. The bloc’s plan also bans the UK from leaving the single market before it finally withdraws from Europe, meaning it would still have to accept EU citizens’ free movement into and out of the country.
Earlier this year, a record number of EU citizens entered the UK, according to the Office of National Statistics, although recent reports suggest the inflow has diminished considerably and an outflow is taking its place. Total net immigration is still high at around 300,000, a far cry from the government’s target of ‘tens of thousands’ – a target which has been regularly rubbished by think tanks and company CEOs.
According to one EU official, the acceptance of a short-term deal would be proof that the UK was in error by voting for Brexit, as lies told by the pro-leave campaign would be totally exposed for what they are. He called the possibility a ‘moment of truth’ adding that having the cake and eating it simply isn’t possible.
Also in the papers are discussions on the thorny issues of the EU and UK working together on schemes to benefit agriculture and fisheries as well as defence arrangements and matters concerning the Euratom nuclear agreement. At present, EU negotiators are less than enthusiastic about involving the UK in any talks on future trade agreements as they believe not enough progress has been made on other aspects of the deal.
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