EXCLUSIVE: British Government accused of snubbing Commonwealth war heroes for EU migrants

THE British Government has been accused of ostracising Commonwealth countries in favour of the European Union (EU).

Commonwealth leaders are becoming increasingly concerned over their countries' futures as Prime Minister David Cameron pushes for Britain to remain in the EU.

This week 80 business and community leaders from across the 31 Commonwealth countries sent the Tory leader an open letter urging him to take back its “autonomy in the fields of migration and commerce”.

The letter read: “The descendants of the men who volunteered to fight for Britain in two world wars must stand aside in favour of people with no connection to the United Kingdom.”

Several policies over the past year have been seen as a bid to push those from the Commonwealth even further away.

The occupation shortage list, which the British Government issues to determine which jobs are lacking in the UK and therefore needed from elsewhere, continues to exclude those from outside the EU by listing extremely specialised jobs. 

One of the most bizarre jobs on the list is for lead ballet or contemporary dancers who must have worked with top companies equivalent to the English National Ballet AND performed in venues such as Sadler's Wells or the Royal Opera House.

Other jobs include 3D computer animation designers, lead musicians, secondary maths and science (but not biology) teachers and head chefs.

Earlier this month the Government announced Australia and New Zealand — two of the UK’s closest Commonwealth allies — are now included in the Immigration Health Surcharge which means all non-EU travellers visiting the UK for more than six months have to pay an annual £200 charge — with a £50 discount for students — towards the NHS.

New Zealand Prime Minister, John Key, a strong ally of Mr Cameron, said it was an affront to the former British colony’s relation with the UK.

He said: “We have had this relationship based on the history of our country and New Zealand being a British colony.

"I would have thought charging Kiwis £150 if they're over there for a bit longer as a surcharge, over and above the national health system, is pretty cheap and not really in keeping with the history of the two countries."

This week’s letter from Commonwealth representatives reveals their concern over trade between Britain and Commonwealth countries due to crippling EU policies which prevent bilateral free trade agreements between any non-EU country and the UK.

It also accuses the EU of preventing British companies from employing qualified Commonwealth workers in order for EU migrants to move to the UK.

The letter added: “The UK’s immigration policy forces us, in effect, to turn away qualified workers from the Commonwealth so as to free up unlimited space for migrants from the EU.”

They have called for the UK to be free to liberalise trade with non-EU states, saying the renegotiation offers Britain “the chance to regain its autonomy in the fields of migration and commerce.”

It finishes: “Europe is now the only continent experiencing no economic growth. There are opportunities across the seas — if only Britain raises its eyes.”

Ralph Buckle, director and co-founder of Commonwealth Exchange, which aims to enhance the Commonwealth’s role, said there has been a drastic drop in Commonwealth migration to the UK and vice-versa because of restrictions which he says are only damaging the British economy and its standing overseas.

He told Express.co.uk: “Commonwealth migrants are overwhelmingly young, often speak English, and share many of our values and traditions. 

“If these numbers fall further we would see significant damage to our economy and potentially risk staffing shortages in areas such as the NHS and schools where many Commonwealth citizens are filling the gap.”

Further friction between the Commonwealth and the UK erupted this week as Mr Cameron ramped up his fight for renegotiation of Britain’s relationship with the EU before an in/out referendum, which the Prime Minister confirmed will be on June 23.

London Mayor and MP Boris Johnson has frequently waved the flag for Commonwealth countries over the past few years, visiting countries including Australia and India where he “marvelled” at both country’s economic growth and questioned why Britain’s share of Indian trade “remains so relatively small”.

Earlier this year, commenting on a report by the Commonwealth Exchange, he said: “It seems that almost all parts of the Commonwealth are brimming with a new energy and optimism, at precisely the time that the European Union is struggling. 

“As we reconsider Britain’s place in the world, I want us to reconsider how we engage with Commonwealth peoples. I have proposed a bilateral migration agreement between Australia and the UK, which if successful could be extended to other Commonwealth countries too.

“The UK has bonds of history, language, law, family and customs across the world and we would be foolish not to make more of these at this time of profound global economic revival.”

A Home Office spokesman told Express.co.uk: “We welcome workers from Commonwealth countries who fill skills gaps in our labour market and help to boost our economy.”

It added Commonwealth citizens can be sponsored for graduate level jobs not on the Government proscribed Shortage Occupation List — as long as the employer has first tried to recruit “a resident worker”.