Brexit: Britain’s exit from Brussels
Free movement of people is a fundamental principle of the European Union single market. It is the non-negotiable right of any EU citizen to seek work in any other country in the EU.
If we want to stay in the EU we have to allow EU citizens to work in the UK. Or do we?
It could work like this:
- Britain votes to leave the EU.
- Negotiations begin on Britain’s new relationship with the EU.
- The UK offers to maintain at least part of its contribution to the EU budget
- In return, Britain withdraws from the free movement of people requirements but allows for a lesser “free movement of labour” which allows for workers from the EU to come to the UK with a firm job offer.
EU countries are very concerned about the economic effect on their domestic economy if the UK leaves, and, those sympathetic to Brexit believe, politicians would be under similar business pressure to “do a free trade deal”.
The economic needs of businesses in the rest of the EU may force the hand of political leaders.