Brussels threatens to sue Britain to let in 'benefit tourists'

[Jazzy]

The European Commission has threatened to take legal action against Britain if ministers do not water down rules limiting foreigners’ ability to claim benefits.



Ministers fear the move could leave taxpayers handing out as much as £2.5  billion to EU nationals, including out-of-work “benefit tourists”, a new cost that could wreck Coalition plans for welfare reform.



The commission’s threat, on the eve of the Conservative Party conference, has raised the political temperature on Europe still further.



In an outspoken attack today, Iain Duncan Smith, the Work and Pensions Secretary, says the commission’s move is part of a “wider movement” by the “unelected and unaccountable” European authorities to extend their power over the UK.



“This kind of land grab from the EU has the potential to cause mayhem to nation states, and we will fight it,” he writes in The Daily Telegraph.



The commission is objecting to Britain’s rules on welfare, claiming they discriminate unfairly against foreigners. To claim benefits in Britain, EU nationals must pass a “right to reside” test. The commission says the test is too tough, and wants Britain to apply more generous EU-wide rules.



The commission said it had given Britain two months to bring its rules into line with the weaker EU standard. “Otherwise, the commission may decide to refer the UK to the EU’s Court of Justice.”



Full article: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/ukn...o-sue-Britain-to-let-in-benefit-tourists.html

 

[The Dragon Master]

Pffft! Why should people who've never paid taxes or lived here, get money? As the article said, this'll just mean that loads of unemployed people in the EU will move here to take advantage of it.

Brussel's can shove their policies like this up their behind

Sorry, got a bit angry at this...

 

[beowulf]

got a better idea...............dont let any more in.....not a single one!...............and kick out all the others that are here!!!!



i get angry about this too...............they can go and shove it

 

[Evil Eye]

I'm with the UK on this one... If you wanna stay, pass the test.