Benefit cut in UK will hit Irish families

British threats to deprive EU workers of allowances, including child benefit, would hit Irish families worst after the Poles, according to the latest available figures.

But the European Commission has warned London they cannot interfere with the rights of those from other EU countries working in Britain.

Employment Commissioner Laszlo Andor warned the Tory government against being “over-emotional” and misguided and suggested their motives had more to do with the promised referendum on EU membership than reality.