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Saturday 14 December 2013

EU in court threat over English tests for migrants: Brussels warned Britain over 'xenophobic' plans

'Nasty country': EU commissioner for Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion Laszlo Andor told David Cameron to drop proposals
'Nasty country': EU commissioner for Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion Laszlo Andor told David Cameron to drop proposals

The Hungarian official, who branded Britain a ‘nasty country’ last month, said the EU already had ‘clear rules’ on residency and ‘the UK should apply it, like other states’. 
He added: ‘The European Commission has already decided to refer UK to EU Court. We will look at the latest measures and act again  if necessary.’ 
Mr Andor also warned ministers against undermining the EU by raising concerns about immigration, saying: ‘Responsible politicians should avoid legitimising xenophobic reactions that indeed weaken the European spirit.’
His comments – made during a question-and-answer session on Twitter – came as Mr Cameron suggested controls on immigration from new EU states should be extended to at least ten years.
Tests: Prime Minister David Cameron said controls on immigration should be extended to at least ten years
Tests: Prime Minister David Cameron said controls on immigration should be extended to at least ten years

The Prime Minister said he wanted to see an increase in the so-called ‘transitional controls’ on new EU members, which can currently be kept in place for just seven years.
And he suggested the EU’s free-movement rules should be suspended indefinitely for the poorest countries until their economies have reached a certain level.
He acknowledged public concern about a potential ‘influx’ of immigrants from Romania and Bulgaria at the start of next year when transitional controls end.

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