Britain’s Renegotiation with the EU to include Tax Credit Changes
Sajid Javid, business secretary, said that limiting the rights of migrants from the UK to claim benefits is a huge part of the renegotiation of the UK’s relationship with the EU.
The tax credit changes would mean that EU migrants could no longer receive the £700 pounds they usually receive in tax credits, which is twice what Germany pays.
David Cameron has promised to renegotiate a better deal for Britain, and is also planning to hold a referendum by the end of 2017. The referendum will be asking Brits if they want to stay as a part of the EU, or be independent, and Mr Cameron has barred most EU citizens from having a say in the referendum.
At least 1.5 million EU migrants who are currently living in Britain will be barred from voting, in a move which has been largely been applauded, with the Prime Minister saying he can’t see any good reasons for EU nationals to be able to decide on the future of Britain. EU migrants would be expected to vote to stay as pat of the EU as their lifestyles would be impacted if the UK left.
Reforming welfare rules and cutting tax credits will deter EU migrants from moving to the UK, and will be part of the negotiation strategy. Mr Cameron is currently in the middle of a diplomatic tour, and said he is confident he can get a better deal for Britain, but “it won’t be easy”.
He also said that he hasn’t been greeted by a “wall of love” while meeting EU leaders after winning the general election.
Many EU countries have said they they’re sure a compromise can be reached, while others have said that they see no need for EU treaties to be changed. Mr Cameron believes that it’s in the interests of both the EU and the UK for the UK to remain part of the EU, just under slightly different terms.