German Chancellor Angela Merkel would rather see the UK leave the European Union than end the right to free movement of labour within the EU, it has been claimed.
Merkel reportedly warned David Cameron that he is approaching a "point of no return" if he continues to push for migration reform that requires fundamental changes to EU principles.
The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
The German news magazine says it is the first time Merkel has acknowledged that the UK’s exit from the EU was possible.
Cameron wants to renegotiate the terms of the UK’s EU membership before holding an in-out referendum. He has said that the freedom of movement of workers would be at the "very heart" of his renegotiation strategy.
But a German government source said: "Should Cameron persist, Chancellor Angela Merkel would abandon her efforts to keep Britain in the EU. With that, a point of no return would be reached. That would be it then."
Two Cabinet ministers told The Sunday Times that new proposals would have to be drawn up that maximise curbs within the existing rules.
"The focus is on drawing up a German-compliant package of measures," said one. "Cameron needs to square Merkel or we won’t get anything. We’ve got to stretch the existing rules to their limits."
This might include banning EU migrants unless they have a job and deporting them if they cannot support themselves after three months.
Another minister suggested that the focus would be on the original understanding of freedom of movement to work.
"The assumption was that you moved around for work, not to come on the chance that you could find a job. We're looking at whether you can restrict new arrivals to those with jobs," they said.
A Downing Street spokesman said Cameron would make a speech on immigration before Christmas and stressed "You can be sure he will always put Britain first".
-
The great global copper swindleUnder the Radar Rising prices and easy access makes the metal a ‘more attractive target for criminals looking for a quick profit’
-
‘They’re nervous about playing the game’Instant Opinion Opinion, comment and editorials of the day
-
Will Netanyahu get a pardon?Today's Big Question Opponents say yes, if he steps down
-
Femicide: Italy’s newest crimeThe Explainer Landmark law to criminalise murder of a woman as an ‘act of hatred’ or ‘subjugation’ but critics say Italy is still deeply patriarchal
-
Brazil’s Bolsonaro behind bars after appeals run outSpeed Read He will serve 27 years in prison
-
Americans traveling abroad face renewed criticism in the Trump eraThe Explainer Some of Trump’s behavior has Americans being questioned
-
Nigeria confused by Trump invasion threatSpeed Read Trump has claimed the country is persecuting Christians
-
Sanae Takaichi: Japan’s Iron Lady set to be the country’s first woman prime ministerIn the Spotlight Takaichi is a member of Japan’s conservative, nationalist Liberal Democratic Party
-
Russia is ‘helping China’ prepare for an invasion of TaiwanIn the Spotlight Russia is reportedly allowing China access to military training
-
Interpol arrests hundreds in Africa-wide sextortion crackdownIN THE SPOTLIGHT A series of stings disrupts major cybercrime operations as law enforcement estimates millions in losses from schemes designed to prey on lonely users
-
China is silently expanding its influence in American citiesUnder the Radar New York City and San Francisco, among others, have reportedly been targeted
