The European Parliament building, Brussels. Photo Workers.
On 14 June, the people of Switzerland voted in a referendum on a proposal to cap the country’s population at ten million. In the end it was rejected, but even beforehand the EU sought to interfere.
Switzerland’s population is now 9.1 million, 27 per cent of whom are not Swiss-born. In 2002 its population was 7.3 million. The proposition could have meant an end to the free movement of labour across Switzerland’s borders, which the EU has always been keen to force in negotiations.
The EU warned Switzerland that free movement is a core pillar of the EU, and that a Yes vote could lead to severe political and trade consequences, including limiting Swiss access to the EU single market.
At least the Swiss could have their say on a matter of national importance – unlike Britain, where any mention of border control or the impact of immigration is shouted down as right wing and racist.