Simon Kirby, the MP for Brighton Kemptown and Peacehaven, took the opportunity yesterday (November 28) to quiz Home Office Minister Mike Penning MP about reforms to EU migration rules, and what changes will be implemented in response to the concerns of his constituents.
DURING URGENT Home Office Questions yesterday, Mr Kirby noted to the Minister of State for Policing, Criminal Justice and Victims that many of his constituents in Brighton Kemptown and Peacehaven are concerned that EU migrants, who have never paid into the system, are able to come to the UK and receive most benefits immediately, and asked that he respond to this.
Responding, Mr Penning re-iterated the Prime Minister’s earlier announcement that he will be looking to reform these laws so that EU migrants will need to wait four years before receiving social housing or in-work benefits, and that they will not be able to send these benefits to their home countries.
Speaking after the questions, Mr Kirby said: “Every week I am contacted by constituents that are concerned about our relationship with the EU, and one of the most common concerns raised with me is about EU migrants receiving state services despite not having paid into them.
“In response to these concerns, I decided to directly question Home Office Minister Mike Penning about what is going to be done to resolve this. I was reassured by his response, and also with the statement from the Prime Minister earlier today about the tough, but fair, reforms that will be implemented to tackle this issue.
“I know that these changes will be well received by many of my constituents in Brighton Kemptown and Peacehaven, and I will support the Prime Minister in bringing about these necessary reforms.”
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