The European Court of Justice has ruled that British citizens can now bring non-European Union (EU) family members into the United Kingdom (UK) without a travel visa.
The ruling is expected to open the UK’s borders to large numbers of foreign migrants from outside the EU, and will intensify pressure on Prime Minister David Cameron to tackle freedom of movement rules.
Reacting to the ruling, Conservative Member of the European Parliament and spokesman on justice and home affairs, Timothy Kirkhope said: “Of course the UK should have an immigration system which is fair, and does not disadvantage the right of British citizens to be with their family. However, we are disappointed with this judgment as we believe that the UK’s visa system is both fair and lawful, and does an important job in meeting this country’s migration needs”.