UK, Australia, NZ and Canada Support EU-Style Free Movement Between Countries

A new poll has found “immense support” in Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the United Kingdom for a free movement "migration bloc” between the countries.

The survey by the Royal Commonwealth Society found a desire, particularly among the young, to be able to live and work in each other’s nations without needing a visa.

Support was highest among New Zealanders, with 82% in favour of such a scheme. Some 75% of Canadians and 70% of Australians also support the idea. In Britain, support was high, too, at 58%.

90% of New Zealanders and 80% of Australians between the age of 18-35 are in favour.

Tim Hewish, author of the report and director of policy and research at the Royal Commonwealth Society, said: “Collectively we possess a unique bond which needs protecting. We share a language, a legal system, and a Queen.”

President of the Royal Commonwealth Society David Howell, who is also a Conservative MP in the House of Lords, said: "We need to welcome our friends with open arms when they visit us, and in doing so, work to ensure as much free mobility as is workable.

“Between Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom this flow and interchange of talented people is especially vital,”

The findings come at a time when the movement of non-EU residents to Britain is being restricted.

From 6 April all skilled workers from outside the EU who have been living in the UK for less than 10 years will need to earn at least £35,000 a year to settle here permanently.

Critics have labelled the move “discriminatory”.

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