Banning EU citizens from claiming benefits would be illegal under EU law

The British government have been told by their lawyers that they can't require EU immigrants to pay into the benefits system for four years before being allowed to claim tax credits unless they also ban 18-22 year olds from claiming as well.

This latest advice echoes advice they have already been given but chose to ignore because there was an election looming. Restricting benefits for EU citizens without imposing the same restrictions on UK citizens would be illegal discrimination under EU law.

If Cameron intends to press on with plans to prevent EU immigrants from claiming benefits for four years, he will deprive around 50,000 young working UK citizens of their tax credits.