London (AFP)

The government of British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said Monday want to put "immediately" end the free movement of people in case of Brexit without agreement on October 31, a hardening of position compared to the previous government.

Former Prime Minister Theresa May, who was succeeded by Johnson on July 24, provided for a "transitional period" even in the absence of a divorce agreement with the EU, allowing European citizens to travel to the EU. United Kingdom, to work there or to study there without special

"The free movement as it currently stands will end on 31 October when the UK leaves the EU," said a spokeswoman for 10 Downing Street.

"For example, we will immediately introduce more stringent crime rules for people entering the UK," she added, adding that other immediate changes for a new system were "under development".

She recalled that Boris Johnson wanted to introduce a points system, modeled on Australia.

The3million, an association defending the interests of some 3.6 million European citizens residing in the United Kingdom, took offense at the announcement. "It's irresponsible and it opens the door to widespread discrimination," she tweeted.

According to the government, by the end of July more than one million Europeans had obtained "permanent resident" status to continue living in the country after Brexit.

In early August, the Prime Minister announced a plan to issue accelerated visas to attract the "best brains" and allow the UK to "continue to be a scientific superpower" after Brexit. He also promised to protect the rights of European citizens settled in the United Kingdom to continue to live in the country, even in case of "no deal".

The free movement of persons enables European citizens to move and reside freely within the EU countries. It is one of the four fundamental freedoms of the single market, with the free movement of capital, goods and services.

© 2019 AFP