Confusion in Labour party over divergent opinion on freedom
of movement, as the shadow Brexit secretary’s view negates that of Jeremy
Corbyn.
A call has been made
by Sir Keir Starmer seeking for a "fundamental rethink" on the policy
of freedom of movement as enshrined by EU treaty. He further asserts that the
Labour party is in agreement about the UK changing the current immigration rule
after leaving the EU.
However, Mr Corbyn is strongly of the view that the freedom
of movement of people should still be maintained irrespective of the decision
of the UK to leave the EU.
During a media chat with the Guardian last week, Corbyn
defended the huge advantages free movement has brought to the UK economy, also
acknowledged the "level of exaggeration" about its negative impact.
Corbyn was also serious about the demand for a scheme to
introduce work visa, post-Brexit, saying that such a proposal is "fraught
with difficulties".
Nevertheless, the comments of Sir Keir are at variance with
that of Corbyn and Labour’s immigration spokesperson, Diane Abbott.
While chatting with the Sunday Times, he stated that: “There
should be a fundamental rethink of immigration rules from start to finish.
“The rules on free movement have got to be changed or the
way the rules operate has got to change.”
Despite the apparent conflict within the leadership of the
party, Sir Keir insisted that within Labour “there is a consensus that when we
leave the EU the immigration regime will have to change”.
The ex-Attorney General was also of the opinion that
foreigners should only be allowed into Britain, only if they have a secured job
to do.
He further said: “People, when you talk to them about
immigration, have a strong distinction in their mind between people who are
coming here to work and contribute and those who are coming here to look for
work and I think that distinction is well worth exploring."
Speaking last week Mr Corbyn cast reservation over the possibility
of a system in which people could only come to Britain if they had a job.
He said: "Well then, that will work in reverse for
British people going abroad, which would be difficult to implement and maybe is
counter to the principles of the European market."
Mr Corbyn has repeatedly risked stoking differences within
his own ranks over immigration, despite calls from MPs to respond to concerns
expressed by voters in the EU referendum.
Andy Burnham, the former shadow Home Secretary, said he was
no longer willing to be "complicit" in Mr Corbyn's support for free
movement.
He said the policy was “inherently discriminatory” and
damaging working class communities in Britain.
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