How do you stop/control immigration?

[TimberWolf]

The reasoning for an open door policy with the EU was that most EU nationals have reached a similar standard of education at their particular level and standard of living; to some extent that was true before the accession of the new EU countries which were catching up fast until more recent economic difficulties. It was also thought that lots of Brits would move around the EU; which has happened. I think an open borders policy with NZ, Oz, Canada would indeed be sensible, as it would allow for free movement of people with the same language who are quickly able to adapt; it would allow people from Oz and NZ to come to Europe to do business and study and might relieve pressure in Britain as people would retire to the infinitely more attractive places you’ve named, bringing their savings with them. Trouble is, the EU would then go apetulip as Britain would be ‘opening the door‘ to lots of people. But yes, stuff the EU on this one and do it. But restricting the free movement in the EU would cause a lot of undesirable side effects; one being the return of millions of British expats, another being damage to businesses in UK and Europe.

Well leaving things as they are isn't a good solution either. Turkey next?

[lilelvis2000]

Beats me why Romania et al were allowed into the EU. They clearly weren't at the right level economically. It should be pretty even really so you get a cross flow. Turkey will never get into the EU...the EU is strictly Christian. All this talk of Turkey coming in is just posturing.

[Mich the Tester]

Well leaving things as they are isn't a good solution either. Turkey next?

Possibly, but I think Turks have gone off the whole EU idea as they're doing quite well without it and don't fancy being treated like tulipe everywhere they go. Anyway, educated and succesful Turks can usually either get into the EU via employment or are better off staying in Turkey where they can enjoy a very good quality of life.

[TimberWolf]

Beats me why Romania et al were allowed into the EU. They clearly weren't at the right level economically. It should be pretty even really so you get a cross flow. Turkey will never get into the EU...the EU is strictly Christian. All this talk of Turkey coming in is just posturing.

I agree.

[Mich the Tester]

Beats me why Romania et al were allowed into the EU. They clearly weren't at the right level economically. It should be pretty even really so you get a cross flow. Turkey will never get into the EU...the EU is strictly Christian. All this talk of Turkey coming in is just posturing.

Romania was allowed in in the hope it would drag the place upwards; it's workign to some extent but there are still massive corruption issues and a lot of poverty. As for the 'strictly Christian' thing, Britain and Germany are two of the most secular societies in the world, and even Italy and Ireland are becoming more secular.

But yes, there's a lot to be said for ensuring a country is at a similar level of economic capacity.

[Paddy]

Possibly, but I think Turks have gone off the whole EU idea as they're doing quite well without it and don't fancy being treated like tulipe everywhere they go. Anyway, educated and succesful Turks can usually either get into the EU via employment or are better off staying in Turkey where they can enjoy a very good quality of life.

ISTANBUL—Turkey's gross domestic product bounced an unexpectedly high 6% in the fourth quarter, a stellar performance given the woes afflicting other economies in the region such as Greece.

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB1000...507619458.html

IMHO, I think Turkey in the EU would actually bring investment opportunities to the UK but there maybe a down for Turkey because they would lose business with Russia and Iran

[scooterscot]

Well come one then, how would you do it?

To quote a senior in my previous employment -

"I'd shoot the $@££$@£ when they come through the tunnel"