Immigration fears over plans for Irish border

IT is “of concern” that EU citizens will be able to move freely across the Irish border into the UK without any immigration checks after Brexit, Nigel Farage has said.

The Liberal Democrats also said the proposal “has more holes in it than a colander” and indicated the UK would not reclaim control of its borders.

But the plans were backed by Eurosceptic Tory MPs, who said EU citizens would not be able to work or claim benefits in Britain as a result of the policy.

The Government’s position paper on the Irish border says the UK will preserve the Common Travel Area (CTA) between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland after Brexit, allowing people to enter Britain free from routine border controls.

This is despite Ireland remaining part of the EU and accepting the free movement of citizens from the bloc.

The Government said it is “confident” it can still enforce new immigration controls on EU citizens without a hard border with Ireland, through checks on things such as the jobs market and welfare system.

Former Ukip leader Mr Farage told the Press Association: “Once again the UK Government is bowing to EU demands.

“The operation of the land border between the north and south should be none of their business.

“That the Government would willingly allow EU nationals to freely move into UK territory is of concern.”

Ed Davey, a Liberal Democrat former cabinet minister, added: “The Brexiteers claimed it was worth damaging the UK economy to reclaim control of our borders, now we’re told even this isn’t going to happen.

“The Conservatives are finally admitting that there are ways to control free movement by making reforms to our labour market and social security.

“That raises the question, why are they still planning to damage jobs and living standards by leaving the single market?”

Conservative MPs Andrew Bridgen and John Redwood both told the Press Association they supported the measure.

“The main way the Government is likely to enforce a new migration policy is through work permits for EU citizens from the continent, whether they enter direct or via the Republic of Ireland,” Mr Redwood said.

“The aim is to keep current UK/Republic of Ireland arrangements.