The British Prime Minister, David Cameron is prepared to ignore Britain’s obligations under EU residency treaties and impose strict border controls that aim to block Greek citizens from entering the United Kingdom, if Greece is forced out of, or exits, the single currency.
The prime minister addressed MPs and stated that ministers have examined legal powers that would allow Britain to prevent Greek citizens of their right to free movement across into the UK, if the eurozone crisis leads to “stresses and strains”.
In an appearance before senior MPs on the cross-party House of Commons liaison committee, David Cameron confirmed that ministers have drawn up contingency plans for “all sorts of different eventualities”.
The worst-case scenario will cover a Greek exit from the euro. This action would have the potential to trigger further contraction of the already collapsed Greek economy and the resultant flight of hundreds of thousands of Greeks citizens who are currently entitled to settle in any EU country, seartching for a better life.
The prime minister said Britain is prepared to prevent a major influx of Greek citizens. “I would be prepared to do whatever it takes to keep our country safe, to keep our banking system strong, to keep our economy robust. At the end of the day, as prime minister, that is your first and foremost duty.”
David Cameron added, “I hope it wouldn’t come to that,” he said. “But, as I understand it, the legal powers are available if there are particular stresses and strains. You have to plan, you have to have contingencies, you have to be ready for anything – there is so much uncertainty in our world. But I hope those things don’t become necessary.”
What response may be taken against the UK as a result of this descision being actioned? The other interesting fact here is that Britian never adopted the one currency principle. Euros can only be used in the UK in limited locations, mostly ferry and airport terminals around the country.
Words, By George! 