Cameron plans on stopping Greeks at borders in event of euro exit

Page last updated at 09:41 GMT, Wednesday, July 4, 2012 - 14:41 EST

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Sydney Morning Herald:

Preparing for the worst ... British PM, David Cameron.

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The British Prime Minister, David Cameron, is prepared to override Britain's historic obligations under European Union treaties and impose stringent border controls that would block Greek citizens from entering Britain, if Greece is forced out of the single currency.

The Prime Minister told MPs that ministers have examined legal powers that would allow Britain to deprive Greek citizens of their right to free movement across the EU, if the eurozone crisis leads to ''stresses and strains''.

In an appearance before senior MPs on the cross-party House of Commons liaison committee, Mr Cameron confirmed that ministers have drawn up contingency plans for ''all sorts of different eventualities''.

The worst-case scenario is understood to cover a Greek exit from the euro, which could trigger a near-collapse of the Greek economy and the flight of hundreds of thousands of its citizens who are entitled to settle in any EU country.

Mr Cameron said Britain is prepared to take measures to avoid a major influx of Greeks. ''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 said.

Read the whole story: Sydney Morning Herald

Comments

Clueless Cam strikes again!

July 4, 2012 by Irlandos (United Kingdom ), 45 weeks 4 days ago

Perhaps Greece will never face the possibility of an exit from the common currency - that the UK is NOT a part of - if Cameron forces the repatriation of all capital that has been smuggled into his country by Greeks who may or may not have paid their taxes.

Should the exit occur nonetheless, I am sure Greeks will prefer Germany, Belgium, Holland, Switzerland - or even Australia and the Americas - than the slums of London, Sheffield, Liverpool or Leeds with their riots and gang warfare.

Once again the Eton-educated Cameron shows himself to be lacking common sense...

Re: Clueless Cam strikes again!

July 5, 2012 by Midfield Maestro (United Kingdom ), 45 weeks 3 days ago

@Irlandos:
To be fair you can't blame them for not wanting a huge amount of out of work foreigners to flood the country when public services are already stretched.
HOWEVER
It is laughable that they continue to allow those from countries with values clearly contradict those upheld in the Western world. The Greek communities are highly successful wherever they settle in terms of business, assimiliation, low crime rate, etc. Whereas other ethnic minorities continue to flood into the country without ever seeking work, dramatically increasing crime in the areas they settle in, etc. So perhaps a reconsideration of priorities?!

Re: Clueless Cam strikes again!

July 6, 2012 by Irlandos (United Kingdom ), 45 weeks 3 days ago

@Midfield Maestro:
I used the word "clueless", you used the word "laughable".
The point is England - where any workers/immigrants would settle - is a hodgepodge of peoples many of which clearly do not share its culture, values, etc. E.g. how many "British" citizens did the US hold in Guantanamo?

To think that any Greeks who might come over - many of who would be university-educated - would be the straw that breaks the camel's back, is beyond laughable or clueless.

Cameron talking through his head.

July 7, 2012 by Casper (Australia ), 45 weeks 1 day ago

Perhaps Mr Cameron would also like to consider blocking Greek (private) money that will land in his country, or to even perhaps consider telling Greeks who have already invested their good cash in the Britain to move off.
And if he is concerned about the state of his nation then why wait for Greeks to arrive. The damage in Britain started long ago without any Greek being involved.
His statements are sure to infuriate many people, but are also an insult to the thousands of Greeks in the UK who have made a wonderful contribution there.
And I wonder what his reaction would be if Greece wanted the UK to drill for oil and gas??
Of course all this is assuming that Greeks would rush to Britain over many other countries.
PS- Mr Cameron if you despise/fear Greeks that much and want to distance yourself (and Britain) then simply start by giving back all that your nation has taken/stolen from them. I dare you!