European Union: Freedom of Movement

Lord Howell of Guildford Excerpts

Thursday 12th January 2017 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Williams of Trafford]

All people who are resident in a country for more than a certain number of days a year are liable to pay the taxes of that country.

[Lord Howell of Guildford (Con)]

Does not the fascinating Question asked by the noble Lord, Lord Dubs, reveal that the so-called absolute—fundamental freedom of movement of labour—is not fundamental at all? There are all sorts of variations developing, particularly under modern movement conditions. Does the Minister accept that those who keep arguing that this is a binary choice between absolute freedom and being in the single market simply have not grasped the reality of the situation at all?

[Baroness Williams of Trafford]

My noble friend raises the point about different countries’ implementation of the directive although we have not, as a Government, done a comparative analysis. However, he is absolutely right.