Britain should back Eastern Bloc in migration fight with EU, says Rees-Mogg group

A POWERFUL group of Tory MPs has discussed pushing the Government towards backing Eastern European countries in their dispute with the EU over immigration.

At a recent meeting of the 60-strong European Research Group, chaired by Jacob Rees-Mogg, there were calls for Britain to support Poland, Hungary, the Czech Republic and Slovakia.

The row has led to Brussels threatening sanctions – including suspension of EU membership – against the four countries over their attempts to keep Europe’s borders safe.

So far Britain has stayed out of the dispute with the Government not wanting to undermine Brexit talks.

But senior Tory MPs believe Britain should take a bolder view, serving the national interest by stemming mass immigration as well as winning allies in Brexit talks. Shrewsbury MP Daniel Kawczynski, who was born in Poland, raised the issue at the meeting.

He said he believes it is now time for Theresa May to stop being timid regarding British diplomacy in Europe.

He said: “While we are members of the EU, there is nothing wrong with us playing our part and taking part in internal debates such as this. These countries are being bullied and punished over policy which we agree with and is in our national interest to support.

“The argument put by ministers against us getting involved is that it will hurt the Brexit negotiations and annoy Germany and France.

“This is nonsense, though. It will get us allies in the next two phases of talks, and Germany and France don’t seem to be inclined to be friendly or helpful to us anyway.”