Quote:
Originally Posted by Chris
I think Merkel is right. Freedom of movement isn't one of the many wonderful aspects of EU membership that have been foisted on us since we joined. It is one of the founding principles. We can't say we didn't know about it and we can't reasonably seek an exemption from it whilst still remaining a member of the EU.
The pathway is now very clear. We cannot remain in the EU; all we can do is invoke Article 50 of the Treaty of Lisbon, announcing our intention to leave and compelling the other member states to negotiate our post-membership relationship with the EU. Only with a bespoke, negotiated associate membership can we hope to regain control of our borders.
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This thing about the immigrants/freedom of movement is a complete red herring.
Everyone in the EU has the right to come here and look for a job, and we have the same right to do this as well in other EU countries. But there is nothing in EU law that says we have to pay benefits to foreigners from other EU countries who have no intention of working.
Personally, I think there is everything to play for and no need to invoke article 50. The treaties are old and could do with a bit of tweaking while keeping the principle of free movement of workers.