§ Mr. McDonnellTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (1) what representations the Government have made within the institutions of the European Union to enable the free movement of third-country nationals travelling from one EU member state to another; [149092]
(2) if he intends to raise within the EU the question of the freedom of movement within the EU of third-country nationals. [149091]
§ Mrs. RocheI have been asked to reply.
The Government have made no such representations and do not intend to do so. The right of free movement within the European Union is limited to citizens of the European Economic Area and their family members. The Government are committed to maintaining the United Kingdom's frontier controls and retaining national control over immigration policy in relation to third-country nationals. Third-country nationals wishing to travel within the European Union may do so in accordance with the requirements applicable in the member state concerned, obtaining visas if necessary.