Veto free movement

FOR all the claims of a major breakthrough, even a cursory glance at the migration agreement cobbled together at the Brussels summit is enough to tell that it simply won’t work.

It sounds sensible. Screening centres in both Europe and North Africa to process asylum claims and unsuccessful applicants being returned to their country of origin. All EU countries to accept their share of genuine refugees, and external borders to be strengthened. But in truth, it’s a sham.

Where could failed applicants safely be sent back to, given that so many come from chaotic and dangerous states?

Also, this is a voluntary agreement and no EU country wants to host any of the new screening centres (France has already said it certainly won’t), or to take more refugees.

Yet bizarrely, while the rest of Europe is turning its back on free movement, diehard Cabinet Remainers insist it’s a good thing and we must stay signed up to it after Brexit.

In a key meeting next week they are expected to argue that Britain should remain not only in the customs union but also the single market, which would inevitably mean accepting free movement.

They call it ‘soft Brexit’. But in reality it’s no Brexit at all. The UK would retain all the obligations – and bills – of EU membership, without any say over policy.

But the centre of gravity in the Cabinet seems to be shifting towards an acceptance that the referendum result must be honoured in full. That means not signing up to anything that would prevent us controlling migration or set our own trade policy.

To be true to her ‘Brexit means Brexit’ pledge, the Prime Minister must have the courage to face down Europhile ministers and veto any proposal which allows free movement to continue.