Cameron 'prepared to halt immigration of Greeks into UK' - TODAYonline

LONDON - David Cameron is prepared to override Britain's historic obligations under EU treaties and impose stringent border controls that would block Greek citizens from entering the United Kingdom, 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 euro zone 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 currently entitled to settle in any EU country.

The Prime Minister said Britain is prepared to take measures to avoid a major influx of Greek citizens. "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. At the end of the day, as prime minister, that is your first and foremost duty."

Asked by Mr Keith Vaz, the Labour chairman of the House of Commons home affairs select committee, whether he would restrict the rights of Greek citizens to travel to Britain, Mr Cameron said he would be prepared to trigger such powers.

"I hope it wouldn't come to that," he said. "But, as I understand it, the legal powers are available if there are particular stresses and strains. You have to plan, you have to have contingencies, you have to be ready for anything - there is so much uncertainty in our world. But I hope those things don't become necessary."

Mrs Theresa May, the Home Secretary, confirmed last month that the government was examining contingency plans but indicated that she did not see any "increased movement". Mr May told the Andrew Marr Show on BBC1 on June 10: "So far ... we're not seeing any trends in any increased movements despite obviously the significant problems already economically in a number of eurozone countries. But I think it's right that as a government across the board, we look at the contingency arrangements that you know might be needed in these circumstances." THE GUARDIAN