John Baron MP raises EU immigration reforms in House of Commons

MP says reforms to EU rules are inevitable

Today in the House of Commons, the Minister for Europe, Rt Hon David Lidington MP, responded to an Urgent Question secured by Gisela Stuart MP. The Urgent Question related what was discussed at the meeting of the European Council on 19^th – 20^th December. The Council discussed various matters, including defence policy and immigration.

In the Chamber, John asked,

“The vast majority of immigrants come here for work, not benefits. However, as the Prime Minister acknowledged in his press conference afterwards, the issue of immigration needs to be addressed. How exactly will the Prime Minister address the matter in his negotiations with his EU partners given that, being a fundamental right, any reforms will probably require treaty changes approved by all Member States?”

The Minister replied that proposals for reform were at an early stage.

Afterwards, John said,

“It is obvious that there will have to be reform of the EU’s migration policy. The EU has expanded wholesale since these rules were established, and the policy is no longer fit for purpose. I wish the Prime Minister well in his renegotiations, but remain unconvinced the EU will share our enthusiasm for a new settlement.”

Ends

Word Count: 212

Date: 7^th January 2014