Immigration reform: EU migrants to lose benefits after three months

David Cameron has sent a strong message to EU migrants — they cannot expect to get “something for nothing.”

17:42 29 July 2014

Prime Minister David Cameron has stated that the Coalition is determined to toughen their stance on immigration. This week, he announced that EU migrants are to lose their entitlement to benefits after three month’s worth of claims.

This applies to child tax credit, jobseekers’ allowance, and child benefit. This will take effect in November and government sources confirmed that the new guidelines are compatible with EU law.

The prime minister said: “[We are] saying very clearly: you cannot expect to come to Britain and get something for nothing.”

“This is about building a different kind of Britain - a country that is not a soft touch, but a place to play your part; a nation where those who work hard can get on.”

“Carefully and painstakingly we are building an economy that has real opportunities for our young people; an education system that encourages them to do their best; a welfare system that encourages work; and an immigration system that puts Britain first.”

However, Labour said that the initiative was designed to disguise attention from the government’s failure on immigration.

Yvette Cooper, the shadow Home Secretary, said: “We need less talk from the Prime Minister on immigration and more action.

“Behind the rhetoric the true picture of this Government on immigration is one of failure, with net migration going up, despite David Cameron’s promise to get it down to the tens of thousands.