EU immigration decision

Tuesday, 24 Oct 2006 08:24

Ukip: Reid incompetent over immigration

Tuesday, 24, Oct 2006 12:00

The UK Independence Party (Ukip) has condemned John Reid for his "gross incompetence" and "moral and political failure" on the working rights of EU immigrants.

Leader Nigel Farage said the home secretary demonstrated "complete ignorance of European law" by saying "there will be no automatic right of anyone to come and work here".

"How will he prevent them changing occupation after they have obtained a National Insurance number?" he asked.

"How will he monitor the work status of those who claim to be just living here?"

"It was Mr Reid who claimed that the Home Office was not fit for purpose even before saddling it with these extra duties," he added.

Schemes such as giving migrant workers ID cards would be illegal under discrimination laws, he said, arguing: "Any attempt to cap numbers to 20,000 will at best only be a temporary measure and expire after seven years."

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