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Seymour pushes for free access arrangement between UK and NZ

Author
Barry Soper,
Publish Date
Tue, 25 Jul 2017, 5:26AM
David Seymour wants ministers to propose a free access arrangement that would give UK, NZ, Australian, and Canadian citizens free access to each other's countries.ACT Party Leader David Seymour wants ministers to propose a free access arrangement that would give UK, New Zealand, Australian, and Canadian citizens free access to each other's countries. (Photo \ File)
David Seymour wants ministers to propose a free access arrangement that would give UK, NZ, Australian, and Canadian citizens free access to each other's countries.ACT Party Leader David Seymour wants ministers to propose a free access arrangement that would give UK, New Zealand, Australian, and Canadian citizens free access to each other's countries. (Photo \ File)

Seymour pushes for free access arrangement between UK and NZ

Author
Barry Soper,
Publish Date
Tue, 25 Jul 2017, 5:26AM

Government ministers are being told to front foot the issue of Kiwi access to the UK while Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson is in the country.

Johnson is due to hold bilateral talks in Wellington today with the Prime Minister and senior Government ministers.

ACT Party Leader David Seymour wants ministers to propose a free access arrangement that would give UK, New Zealand, Australian, and Canadian citizens free access to each other's countries.

"We have similar economies and similar cultures, the same language. Wouldn't it be great if young New Zealanders, starting with those under 30, could move freely and work in the UK, Canada, Australia and New Zealand?"

Johnson fronted the Brexit campaign, which seeks to heavily reduce immigration into the UK.

But Seymour believes there is scope for change, and said Brexit concerns were pointed at people who came from different cultures.

"I actually met Nigel Farage in Canada several years ago, who said the UK should be turning back to the Commonwealth. The Brexit movement's actually very well-disposed to New Zealand and the Commonwealth."

When asked if the UK favours New Zealanders "because we're white," Seymour replied: "I suspect that in some people's minds that's the fact."

Johnson believes once his country is out of Europe, the traditional right of passage for Kiwis doing their OE to the United Kingdom could be easier.

"After Brexit what you'll be able to do is control the flows from the EU countries, and that should lead to a greater equalisation in our treatment of people across the whole of the planet. But plainly New Zealanders have a special place."

He said our access to Britain will be discussed during his visit.

 

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