European bankers and financiers will be exempted from free movement curbs, the chancellor has suggested.
Philip Hammond sought to reassure the City by telling the Lords economic affairs committee there would be no restrictions on “highly skilled” people in financial services after Brexit.
It was the latest indication of the kind of deal on migration that Theresa May would like after she ruled out a points-based system this week. No 10 said that no final decisions had been taken.
His comments yesterday were the first public confirmation that some EU citizens may get preferential treatment over non-Europeans.
The chancellor said: “We cannot accept uncontrolled free movement of people. That’s the political outcome of the referendum.
“I don’t think that needs to strike fear into the
