Most of the UK’s Liberal Democrat MPs have now supported a motion to Parliament stating that they are “deeply concerned about the damaging impact” that the EU’s 90/180 days limit is having on Britons post Brexit.
In an ‘early day motion’ (EDM) put forward by James MacCleary and five other MPs and supported by a further 31, the lawmakers state that the longstanding rule – limiting time that non-EU citizens can spend as visitors in the Schengen area visa free (and applicable to Britons since Brexit) – is harming people including touring artists, professional drivers and workers.
James MacClearyHouse of Commons
The motion states that “current rules severely restrict the mobility and economic opportunities of musicians, performers, lorry and coach drivers, and British travellers who depend on working and travelling across Europe for their livelihoods”.
With the European Entry/Exit System set to start from October, it adds, there are fears of further restrictions on haulage and coach companies which will see revenues drop due to stricter monitoring, “threatening their viability”.
The situation is also “unfairly asymmetrical”, as EU citizens can spend up to six months visa-free in the UK (under UK ‘visa waiver’ immigration rules) in any one visit. Britons may visit the EU visa free for six months per year, but not in one stretch.
Supporters of the France Visa Free Facebook, which lobbies for easier visiting by Britons, have urged people to ask their own UK MPs to support the motion.
Founder Steven Jolly said: “If the prime minister is right, the 'reset' with the EU is just the beginning. Further change is possible. Plans for a youth mobility scheme show that the EU can address long-stay mobility issues when willing and mandated."
Also rarely actually debated, EDMs help draw attention to an issue and remain open for signatures until the end of the current session of parliament.
