UK plans to immediately end EU free movement after no-deal Brexit

The UK government has said that in case of a no-deal Brexit, it will immediately end freedom of movement for people from the European Union (EU).

“Freedom of movement as it currently stands will end on October 31 when the UK leaves the EU,”a Downing Street spokeswoman was quoted by international media. The spokesperson added that 'a much tougher criminality rules for people entering the UK will be introduced.’ This means that from November onwards, the rights of EU citizens of the right to enter the UK to live, work or study will be scrapped.

However, EU citizens with the right to permanent residence will not be affected by the no deal-Brexit. More details on the new immigration policy are expected in the coming weeks.

Under no deal, the ex-prime minister Theresa May had considered the rules to be extended until January 2021. She had planned to allow EU citizens to stay for three months before applying for a longer stay. However, her plans were dropped after PM Boris Johnson took over and opted for a new approach.

The 3 Million group, which campaigns for the rights of EU citizens in the UK, said in a statement that in case of a no deal, the decision to end free movement from October 31 'is reckless politics'. "Millions of lawful citizens will have their legal status removed overnight," the statement further said.