London 7 Sep (ANA) - More than 200,000 people have signed petitions for the Government to pursue a free movement treaty between the UK, Australia, New Zealand and Canada. Supporters say that now Britain is set to leave the European Union's free movement zone it should pursue similar, more appropriate agreements with old Commonwealth allies instead. According to the parliament petition, a recent poll by the Commonwealth Exchange shows that 58 per cent of British people, 70 per cent of Australians, 75 per cent of Canadians and 82 per cent of Kiwis are in favour of free movement between the four countries.  The parliament petition states the “shared culture, language and values” would make the UK, Australia, Canada and New Zealand prime partners in a freedom of movement agreement. After yesterday's referendum, here is a look at what will happen immediately following the historic vote for Britain to leave the EU. By joining the EU, the UK gave up control over its free movement policy within the 28-nation bloc. In 2015, the number of work visas issued to Australian, Canadian and New Zealand nationals increased by 5.3 per cent, 4.6 per cent and 21.2 per cent respectively, when compared to 2014. When population is taken into account, the ratio of work visas issued to citizens of Australia, New Zealand and Canada by the UK, is higher for these three countries than for any others.(ANA)

FA/ANA/7 September 2016-------