UK could block Greek migrants in case of euro exit, Cameron says
Britain could restrict the immigration of Greeks and other citizens
of euro zone countries affected by Europe's sovereign debt crisis in the
event of «extraordinary stresses and strains», Prime Minister David
Cameron said on Tuesday.
"The
legal position is that if there are extraordinary stresses and strains
it is possible to take action to restrict migratory flows, but obviously
we hope that doesn't happen,» he told a parliamentary committee.
"I
would be prepared to do whatever it takes to keep our country safe, to
keep our banking system strong, to keep our economy robust,» he added.
European
Union rules allow the free flow of people to live and work around the
group's 27 member states, but fears have mounted in Britain of a wave of
migrants from struggling states such as Greece and Spain if their
economies continue to worsen.
Cameron said greater European
banking integration - a likely response by the euro zone's 17 member
states to the crisis - would not necessarily mean big changes for
Britain if the right safeguards were in place.
Some in Britain
worry that a powerful euro zone banking bloc could change financial
rules that impact London, Europe's biggest financial centre and on which
Britain relies for a large chunk of its revenues.
Cameron wants
safeguards that a euro zone banking union would not use its clout to
bounce Britain into decisions it does not agree with.
"If the 17
countries of the euro zone bring about a banking union for themselves,
which I think frankly they need to do...and if we can get proper
safeguards in place then that wouldn't be a fundamental change for us,»
Cameron said.
[Reuters] |
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