There has been a new development in the debate over Romanian and Bulgarian immigration to the UK when transitional controls expire next year. The Guardian reports that a group of Conservative Party MPs are putting pressure on Prime Minister David Cameron to extend restrictions on the rights to free movement of Romanian and Bulgarian citizens. According to The Guardian, PM David Cameron's promise to hold a referendum on the UK's EU membership has encouraged some MPs in his Conservative Party to flout European legislation and deny Romanians and Bulgarians their rights.

Over the last few days, reports have also surfaced in the British media of an idea to run a negative marketing campaign to discourage immigrants. Unnamed official sources are mentioned for the potential “Don't come to Britain” campaign. There is plenty of speculation as to exactly what the negative advertising would say, with recession, drunken aggressive youths, difficulty finding work and miserable weather all given as candidates. Some articles have also pointed out the stark contrast such a campaign would have with the pre-London Olympics marketing, which painted a glowing picture of the country. Fears over negative marketing scaring off potential investment in the UK have also been expressed.

Read more on The Guardian here and here.

Liam Lever, liam@romania-insider.com