- Sputnik International
World
Get the latest news from around the world, live coverage, off-beat stories, features and analysis.

May Says EU Citizens Won’t Get Preferences After Brexit – Reports

© AP Photo / Matt DunhamBritish Prime Minister Theresa May listens at the start of her meeting with the Emir of Qatar Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani inside 10 Downing Street in London, Tuesday, July 24, 2018
British Prime Minister Theresa May listens at the start of her meeting with the Emir of Qatar Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani inside 10 Downing Street in London, Tuesday, July 24, 2018 - Sputnik International
Subscribe
EU immigrants won’t get special treatment under post-Brexit immigration rules, Theresa May hinted at on Tuesday ahead of the launch of a major report on immigration.

The Prime Minister hinted that the government will apply a system which treats all migrants equally regardless of which country they came from. Speaking to the BBC program Panorama, May suggested that she is “very clear about the message from the British people.”

READ MORE: What to Expect When Brexiting: Prognosis for British Currency, Economy Response

"It was they didn’t want a situation where they could see people coming from the European Union having those automatic rights in terms of coming here to the United Kingdom, and a set of rules for people outside the European Union,” she said, also noting that they are putting together a set of rules for people both inside and outside European Union.

The Union Jack (bottom) and the European Union flag are seen flying, at the border of Gibraltar with Spain, in the British overseas territory of Gibraltar, historically claimed by Spain, June 27, 2016, after Britain voted to leave the European Union in the EU Brexit referendum - Sputnik International
Chequers Deal With EU Could Be 'Undone' After Brexit - Environment Secretary
May’s remarks came amid the reported claims that Philip Hammond, the Chancellor, was campaigning among the Cabinet for the EU nationals to be given preferential treatment. Hammond, according to the Daily Telegraph, wanted to ensure the softer scheme, which would not hurt EU immigration, as part of a plan for Britain to retain a steady supply of labor. However, May’s remarks indicate that the Cabinet wants to develop a completely new migration system. Reports also suggested that Sajid Javid, the Home Secretary, and the Prime Minister supported a plan to create an immigration system that would apply equally for all migrants. 

Shortly after his appointment, Javid said his goal is to “have a strategy in place about making sure we have an immigration policy which is fair and treats people with respect and decency. That will be one of my most urgent tasks.”

Brexiteers in the Cabinet also showed their concerns about UK's future immigration plans. MP Liam Fox recently suggested the UK could use the end of freedom of movement as a “tool” to attract more international investment to the UK.

A scrabble board spells out Brexit in Dublin, Ireland May 4 2016. - Sputnik International
Former 'Leave' Campaigner: Brexit Should Not Change Situation in Ireland At All
In his interview with Sky News, Fox said that EU free movement should be “brought to an end.”

“From the points I have been making, it’s very clear that it has its advantages, not just in terms of stopping public services being used by those who haven’t contributed, but it can be an extra tool in the box when it comes to future trade negotiations with other countries,” he said.

According to the Express information, Net migration fell below 250,000 for the first time in three years, yet remaining above the promised 100,000 target set by David Cameron back in 2010. May reportedly wants to get the net migration even lower by 2022, however the future of the new immigration policy is unclear, as May’s remarks came before a major new report by the Migration Advisory Council which had been tasked by the Prime Minister with evaluating the state of the UK economy and determining the needs and suggestions for the post-Brexit immigration system.

Newsfeed
0
To participate in the discussion
log in or register
loader
Chats
Заголовок открываемого материала