We always welcome a Letter to the Editor to share with our readers – unsurprisingly they don’t always reflect the views of this publication. If you have something you’d like to share, get in touch and of course, your considered comments are welcome below. This from Catherine Bearder, Liberal Democrat MEP for South East England. Ed
Dear Editor,
In a landmark decision this week, the European Court of Justice has ruled that national governments are able to restrict benefits for unemployed EU migrants.
I have always championed the benefits of EU free movement. All the evidence shows that EU migrants contribute massively to the economy and to the national purse, and while 2.2 million EU nationals live in the UK, over 2 million Brits live elsewhere in the EU.
But free movement means the right to work, study or retire in another EU country, not the right to move and claim benefits. This new ruling clarifies this longstanding principle for all EU countries. That means that where there is a problem with benefit tourism, it will be clear that it is with UK law not Brussels.
The coalition government has already tightened up the rules in the UK, including by ensuring that EU arrivals cannot claim benefits within three months of arrival. Now we need to build on this and iron any outstanding issues, including by addressing the issue of child benefit being sent abroad. That way, we can celebrate the advantages of EU free movement and put concerns about benefit tourism soundly to bed.
Yours,
Catherine Bearder
Liberal Democrat MEP for South East England
