Priti Patel’s immigration CRACKDOWN – An END to Freedom of Movement?

Reports are emerging that are appearing to show that the Home Secretary Priti Patel is looking to end the freedom of movement for European nationals into the UK under a no-deal Brexit scenario. Both the Telegraph and The Independent are reporting that Priti Patel wants to ‘toughen the Home Office’s stance’ and immigration. As a result of this, fresh border checks are likely to be taking place for EU nationals if this happens.

Priti Patel succeeded Sajid Javid as Home Secretary and it is reported that she is keen for border restrictions to be in place as soon as Britain leaves the EU, if Britain were to leave without a deal. This stance is a clear juxtaposition to Mr Javid, who as a result of an expected Commons defeat had held back the government bill aiming to bring to an end the free movement of people. A source stated that “She thinks Saj did a great job but with a new Prime Minister and new priorities changes needed to be made. For a start that means properly preparing for no deal, it’s clear those in the centre had no intention of preparing for no deal.” A lack of previous preparation for no-deal seems to be a constant theme coming out of Boris Johnson’s government. 

There are several ways that Ms Patel can get this bill through the Commons. One of these would be through a piece of secondary legislation.  This route would effectively sideline MPs who would look to stop the Immigration and Social Security Co-Ordination Bill. The source went on to say that government officials have gone out to Singapore to “understand how a well-functioning immigration IT system is developed” that will be able too “count people in and out the country”.

Unsurprisingly these reports have attracted criticism from many including the Liberal Democrats. The defeated leadership candidate and current home affairs spokesperson Sir Ed Davey released a statement that said “It is completely detached from reality and is next chapter in the never-ending saga of the utter mess they are making of Brexit. What would this mean for EU citizens who have made their home in the UK who have travelled abroad when they try to return?”. These comments come in spite of PM Johnson repeatedly guaranteeing the status of EU Nationals currently within Britain and may be attributed to the Liberal Democrat policy of overturning Brexit.

Oliver Down

Current Affairs Correspondent | My name is Oliver Down I am 22, and a staunch brexiteer. I am a Bristolian lad who studied politics in Leicester. I believe in free speech and accurate journalism and I won’t be afraid to give you “the other side” of the story!

[sibwp_form id=4]