Some Brexiters are hot under the collar about Brussels’ new idea that free movement rights should be guaranteed until the “end of the transitional period”. But it’s actually a good idea that would give EU workers certainty and, in doing so, help protect the UK economy.
The Express is describing new draft EU negotiating guidelines as a “shock demand” from “gloating Brussels”. Theresa May could be tempted to see it that way too, considering her government once argued for the free movement cut-off point to be as early as the triggering of Article 50 in March 2017.
But the prime minister should welcome Brussels’ suggestion with open arms. The new draft proposals would mean any EU migrant arriving before the end of 2020 (or possibly later, depending on how long the transition lasts) would be eligible for the special status agreed in the Brexit “divorce” deal struck by the UK and EU before Christmas, with full legal protection of their rights as EU citizens.
Many sectors of the British economy depend on EU workers. The impact of Brexit is already being felt from fruit farms to the NHS. Overall, net migration has virtually ground to a halt. It would be difficult to persuade many EU nationals to come during the transition period if they had no idea about whether they could stay in the long run. The economy would face a manpower cliff edge.
What’s more, anything agreed on free movement would cut both ways. That is good news for any Brits who want to move to the Continent in the near future.
The government still hasn’t set out plans for a new migration system. Even if it had, these couldn’t be implemented before Brexit next March. The only sensible option is to keep the status quo in place, as the Home Office works on new visa and registration systems. The EU has thrown May a life ring. She’d do well to grab it.
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Edited by Hugo Dixon
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