Some Conservative members on Lincolnshire County Council say David Cameron’s EU/UK deal does not offer a “good opportunity” for the county.
They say unless a better arrangement can be negotiated, the UK “would be better placed to grow and develop outside the European Union”.
Before the full council meeting on Friday (February 19), Coun Tony Bridges (Louth Rural North) is proposing a motion for debate on the draft deal. The motion will be seconded by fellow Tory Coun Mike Brookes (Boston Rural).
Part of the text reads: “Unfortunately, due to continental intransigence the current “deal” offers very little in terms of delivering a sustainable and fair welfare and immigration policy for the UK or the ability to repatriate some powers back to this country.
“Lincolnshire, particularly on the east coast, has seen unprecedented rise in economic migration which inevitably has put pressure on public services many of which this council provides. It has also undermined social cohesion and confidence in some areas.
“It is accepted that most migrants come to provide necessary labour and contribute in many ways. However, as the EU has totally failed to deal satisfactorily with mass migration from outside Europe it is vital that this country is able to control its borders before the situation becomes untenable.
“We also need to reduce unnecessary interference and bureaucracy from the EU, in order to successfully grow the Lincolnshire economy, which does not seem currently likely in the negotiations.”
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