Reactionary solutions to the “problem” of free movement

Simon Hannah
Jul 25, 2017 · 2 min read

Owen Tudor (head of EU and international relations at the TUC) comes out against freedom of movement:

“…pro-Brexit politicians often suggest schemes to allow continued high levels of migration for workers in sectors such as agriculture, hospitality and distribution which could just perpetuate existing exploitation and undercutting.”

Can we just be absolutely clear about this — THE WAY TO STOP EXPLOITATION AND UNDERCUTTING IS THROUGH STRONG TRADE UNIONS, WORKPLACE RIGHTS AND A LEVELLING UP OF CONDITIONS AND PAY FOR ALL. The only reason to want to cut immigration numbers is if you believe that the existence of another person in Britain is itself the problem rather than the nexus of property and political relations around them.

Let’s look at Tudor’s suggestions to deal with the “immigration problem”:

1) Restricting public sector jobs to nationals only
Are you kidding me? Lambeth Council has several Polish, Portuguese, workers alongside others from across the world. Does the TUC want to come into my workplace and say that those people are the problem?

2) Requiring migrants planning to stay longer than a few months to register upon entry with the relevant local authority
Papers please! Have you registered with the central control authority database for foreign aliens? Here is the fucking microchip in your arm if you are planning on staying 6 months or more…

3) Negotiating arrangements to limit the number of European Economic Area nationals entering the country (the equivalent of limiting the number of national insurance numbers issued)
Sorry mate you are Bulgarian number 1701 and we only accept 1700 Bulgarians this year. Too bad, try again next year…

Owen concludes with a coy “Not all of these specific measures would meet the UK’s needs — and nor would they all get TUC approval. But they show what can already be done while remaining in the single market “

Why suggest them if they won’t meet with TUC approval? You’re the head of EU and international relations at the TUC for godsake — are you just spit balling reactionary ideas to see which ones float?

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