‘Desperately needed’: YEP readers debate calls for Freedom of Movement to return
“It could improve opportunities for UK citizens”
Readers of the Yorkshire Evening Post have backed calls for the return of Freedom of Movement with the EU, more than a decade after Brexit.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham is set to meet leaders from the European Union for a summit next month to discuss the UK’s long-term relationship with the bloc. It comes just after the 10 year anniversary of the 2016 referendum.
The new PM will talk to EU chiefs including European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen on November 20 as he seeks to lock in agreements on food and drink, emissions trading and a youth mobility scheme.
But British and EU officials are also holding wider talks on a series of options for the UK’s long-term relationship with the bloc, including a potential return to free movement, as The Times first reported.
We decided to ask the Yorkshire Evening Post’s readers on Facebook if they would welcome a return of freedom of movement. Here is how they reacted.
Edward Lee said: “I would support freedom of movement with the EU provided it is reciprocal and includes appropriate safeguards. It could improve opportunities for UK citizens and help address labour shortages, but any agreement should also consider the impact on public services, housing, and local job markets to ensure the benefits are shared fairly.”
Stephen Dunderdale echoed: “100%. I have grafted all my life and now I am free to travel wherever whenever the 90 day rule is a pain in the bum.”
In one of the few dissenting voices, Mel Gill said: “Free movement drives wages down in the jobs most normal working-class people do.
“Building trade has improved massively since leaving the EU; wages are better and more opportunities for British workers.”
However, plenty of more voiced their support for the return of free movement. Graham Skelly said: “Absolutely, so long as it means we are part of the Dublin Agreement as a result. This would solve the small boats issue and our shortage of skilled labour at a stroke.”
Scott Watson added: “Sounds like this could be part of the return to the EU that the UK desperately needs.”
Thomas Luffman wrote: “Yes, and as a pensioner I could go to Spain for the winter without having to worry about three months' return.”
Phillip MacIver echoed: “Nope, the only discussions with the EU would be around trade, nothing else would be needed. The whole EU Legal system could whistle…”
Adding his voice to the chorus, Duncan Smith said: “Yes. It does work both ways you know. People from this country may want to go to another EU country to live and work. It’s not all about immigration.”
Bert Rogers said: “If we don't have that, there are no discernible immediate benefits for normal people. Yes, we would probably have a better economy, but not everyone feels that. Freedom of movement is exactly what it says.
“Freedom to work, live and marry in Europe without being rich. I wholly and unequivocally support freedom of movement, it's the best part of EU membership.”
A bit more cautious than others, James Yeadon wrote: “If it’s simply getting rid of the 90 in 180 day rule then yes, I am in favour. If it’s anything more then no!”
Meanwhile, Eric McMullan urged Andy Burnham to put any changes to the UK’s relationship with the EU to the people. He said: “What Burnham should do is put it to the people who can then vote for him if they want to return to the European Union.”