Emergency brake proposal ‘shuts door on half century of progress’

Now is the time to stand up for the principle of non-discrimination for EU citizens

Jeremy Corbyn will this week oppose the proposal to strip in work benefits from migrant workers. Photo Chris Beckett © Flickr

Jeremy Corbyn will this week oppose the proposal to strip in work benefits from migrant workers. Photo Chris Beckett © Flickr

Another Europe Is Possible welcomes reports that the Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn will this week oppose the four year “brake clause” on EU migrants’ ability to claim tax credits in the UK.

The news comes shortly after the official in campaign, Britain Stronger in Europe, has unconditionally backed the Cameron proposals. In an email to its supporters heralding the draft deal, Will Straw, the Executive Director described the proposals as making “Britain even stronger in Europe”.

Luke Cooper, convenor of Another Europe Is Possible and an academic at Anglia Ruskin University, said:

“When it comes to David Cameron’s renegotiations our message is ‘not in our name’. EU migrants who are working in the UK, paying taxes in the UK, and contributing to our society in numerous ways, should expect the same rights and benefits as UK citizens.

“A key achievement of Europe is the right to move to other EU countries to work and study and to not be discriminated against on grounds of nationality when we do so. The race to the bottom to close borders, shutting the door on a half century of progress, represents a dangerous moment for Europe.

“We strongly welcome reports that Jeremy Corbyn will this week oppose the Cameron renegotiations and look forward to working alongside him and progressive from all parties in building a positive vision for Europe.”

 

15th February 2016