Remainers get boost but Brexiters ahead
LONDON: The European Court of Justice (ECJ) provided a boost to the “Remain in EU” camp on Tuesday after delivering a proBritain judgement on state benefits for migrants, but the “Vote Leave” camp appeared to continue its surge as the June 23 referendum draws closer.
The Vote Leave camp received a major boost when the mass circulation The Sun came out openly in favour of Brexit. The Ruper Murdoch-owned tabloid has a history of taking a political stand and favouring parties during elections.
It is most known for its gloating 1992 headline “It’s the Sun Wot Won It“, claiming credit for the Conservative Party’s unexpected poll victory after the tabloid declared its support for the party. It supported the Conservatives during the 2015 elections.
As opinion polls showed a continued Brexit surge, the ECJ rejected a challenge to Britain’s right to deny some European Union migrants child benefit and child tax credits, which has been one of the key issues in the public discourse on migration from within the EU. The court said it is lawful for Britain to withhold family benefits to EU migrants who are not working if they do not have the right to reside in the UK. It said this is justified on the basis of "protecting" a state's finances.
The ruling was welcomed by the government and Remain campaigners, but ridiculed by the Vote Leave camp.